Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish packed full of veggies and protein. The creamy, pesto-infused sauce beautifully coats each bite of pasta and chicken, providing layers of flavor with every forkful. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. The addition of the spinach and broccoli not only boosts the nutritional content but also adds vibrant color and texture. Despite being packed full of veggies, Pesto Chicken Pasta remains incredibly tasty and comforting.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Ingredients

▪️ 100g dried weight pasta
▪️ 160g diced chicken breast
▪️ ½ an onion
▪️ ½ a small broccoli
▪️ ½ a green pepper (or 40g peas)
▪️ 3 handfuls of spinach
▪️ 1 handful of fresh basil
▪️ 60g low-fat cream cheese
▪️ 20g Grana Padano cheese
▪️ 30g reduced fat green pesto
▪️ Salt & pepper

How to make Pesto Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Dice the chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then fry until sealed.

Step 2: Add the diced green pepper to the pan if using.

Step 3: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in one pot and the broccoli and peas (if using) in another pot.

Step 4: Melt the cream cheese into the chicken pan, add the fresh basil, Grana Padano cheese, and pesto.

Step 5: When the broccoli is cooked, add it and the peas to the chicken pan.

Step 6: Add pasta water to the chicken mixture to create a loose sauce, then add the spinach.

Step 7: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the chicken pan and stir until fully coated.

Overview of Pesto Chicken Pasta

Category	Details
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	20 minutes
Servings	1
Nutritional Information	Protein: 50g, Carbohydrates: 80g, Fats: 25g
Energy	3374 kJ (807 cal) per serving
Main Ingredients	Chicken breast, pasta, broccoli, spinach
Sauce Ingredients	Cream cheese, pesto, basil, Grana Padano
Cooking Method	Frying, Boiling
Meal Categories	Dinner, Comfort Food, Family Meals
Key Flavors	Savory, Creamy, Aromatic
Texture	Creamy, Chunky
Dietary Information	High in Protein
Allergen Information	Contains dairy, may contain gluten (depending on pasta)
Storage Tips	Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions	Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Fun Facts about Pesto Chicken Pasta

▪️ Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and traditionally includes basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
▪️ Adding spinach to recipes like Pesto Chicken Pasta increases the dish's vitamin and mineral content, as spinach is rich in iron and calcium.
▪️ Using cream cheese in pasta dishes can help create a smoother and creamier texture compared to other cheeses.