Chicken Pesto Pasta
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
A delicious and protein-packed pasta with pesto, chicken, and whole-grain ziti.
🌿 Chicken Pesto Pasta
If you’re craving something flavorful yet wholesome, this Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect quick-fix meal 💚. It combines lean chicken breast with aromatic basil pesto and hearty whole-grain ziti — giving you a delicious, protein-rich pasta dish ready in just 25 minutes!
🍝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average pasta — it’s nutrient-balanced and bursting with fresh flavor. The fresh basil and garlic give the dish a vibrant kick, while pine nuts and Parmesan add that signature pesto creaminess. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this pasta hits all the right notes — satisfying, simple, and full of energy.
🧄 Making the Pesto from Scratch
Homemade pesto elevates this dish. 🌿 Combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and warm water for a lighter twist on the traditional recipe. It’s fresher and healthier than store-bought pesto — plus, you can control the salt and oil level.
💡 Tip: Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to enhance their nutty aroma before mixing them into your pesto.
🍗 Cooking the Chicken
Heat a nonstick pan with cooking spray and sauté cubed chicken breast until golden brown and cooked through. The key is to avoid overcooking — tender chicken absorbs pesto flavors better! Add the freshly made pesto and Parmesan cheese, stir well, and coat the chicken evenly.
🍲 Toss It All Together
Once the chicken and pesto are beautifully combined, toss in your whole-grain ziti and mix until every strand is coated in that fragrant green sauce. Serve warm and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves for that restaurant-style finish. 🌿✨
💪 Nutrition & Balance
This recipe offers the ideal balance of macronutrients for an active lifestyle:
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 17g
It’s a high-protein meal that supports muscle recovery while keeping you full and satisfied. Perfect post-workout or for a clean dinner night!
🕕 Quick Recap
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 2
- ⚖️ Balanced: High-protein, low-fat, full of flavor
Enjoy this Chicken Pesto Pasta as a go-to weeknight favorite that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. 🌿🍝
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoMA delicious and protein-packed pasta with pesto, chicken, and whole-grain ziti.
Tools Used
Medium Pan
Cooking Spray
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Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
Pesto Sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve.
- 2
In a bowl, make pesto mixture: add basil, garlic, water, pine nuts, and olive oil; mix to combine.
Cooking
- 1
Coat a medium pan with cooking spray and warm over medium heat. Add chicken and cook about 7 minutes per side.
- 2
When chicken is almost cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, pesto, and cheese. Cook until chicken is no longer pink inside.
- 3
Add pasta into the pan, stir to combine, and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
