This Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is Perfect For Dinner

pesto sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade pesto

💰Cheaper: spinach + garlic + olive oil

Homemade pesto can be lower in calories and cost-effective.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative.

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Canned chicken is a budget-friendly protein option.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive.

Welcome viewers and introduce the recipe for low calorie chicken pesto pasta.

Mention that chicken breast is used, but any protein can be substituted.

Prepare pesto by adding 1/2 cup of pine nuts and a pinch of salt to a food processor; grind until powdery.

Add 2 cloves of garlic and 2 cups of basil to the food processor; blend until combined, adding more basil as needed.

Pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil gradually while blending; adjust thickness as desired.

Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and all-purpose seasoning to the pesto; blend until well mixed and taste to adjust seasoning.

Season 1 pound of chicken breast with all-purpose seasoning on both sides.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a couple tablespoons of avocado oil and sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Transfer the chicken to a small sheet pan and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the same skillet, add 1 diced shallot and sauté until fragrant.

Add the diced cherry tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-8 minutes before slicing.

Add cooked pasta (cavatappi) to the skillet with shallots and tomatoes; toss to combine.

Mix in the prepared pesto sauce thoroughly with the pasta.

Slice the rested chicken on a bias and serve it over the pasta with a sprinkle of leftover Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens