High Protein Pesto Pasta with Chicken

High Protein Pesto Pasta with Chicken: A Cozy and Delicious Family-Friendly Dish

Are you looking for a quick and nourishing meal that the whole family will love? This High Protein Pesto Pasta with Chicken is your answer! Packed with nutritional benefits, it combines the goodness of protein-rich pasta and chicken, making it a perfect option for a wholesome dinner.

Let me tell you how this comforting dish came to be. Picture this: a busy weeknight, everyone is back from their activities, and you’re trying to put a healthy dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when I stumbled upon creating this easy recipe , a delightful mix of pesto, hearty chicken, and protein-packed pasta that brings smiles to everyone around the table. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds!

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Whip Up This High Protein Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 (8oz) box of frilly protein pasta (like Loppdy Loops or Campanelle, use gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup bone broth
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded, use plant-based as needed)
• 1 (8oz) jar high protein pesto (use plant-based as needed)
• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts (or 3 chicken breasts)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 garlic cloves

Directions:

1. Prep the chicken and pasta: Marinate the 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the chopped garlic cloves in a bag or bowl while the pasta cooks.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil the frilly protein pasta in heavily salted water according to the package directions. Once done, strain and rinse it well with hot water. Turn off the heat, return the pasta to the pot, add a splash of bone broth, and cover to keep it hot.
3. Cook the chicken: Grill the chicken for about 5-10 minutes per side. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them into thinner pieces for quicker cooking. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove it from the heat at 160 degrees F, then let it rest for 5 minutes to continue cooking through.
4. Combine pasta with protein: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and 1 egg. Give the pasta a gentle stir with another splash of bone broth over low heat. Once it’s smooth, stir in the cheese-egg mixture quickly to emulsify the egg! Be careful, though—if the pasta isn’t hot enough or you don’t stir fast enough, the egg may scramble a bit, but it’ll still taste great. Add the 8oz jar of high protein pesto and the remaining 1/2 cup of bone broth, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Serve: Top your creamy pesto pasta with the grilled chicken and enjoy this delicious dish.

Enjoy Your High Protein Pesto Pasta!

Serving this dish is as simple as placing generous spoonfuls on each plate, garnishing with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if you like. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storing Your Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring back that creamy texture.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pesto Pasta

• Make sure your pasta is hot enough before adding the cheese-egg mixture to prevent it from scrambling.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto to suit your family’s taste—some like it saucy, while others prefer a lighter touch.
• Experiment with different types of protein, like grilled shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a tasty twist!

Possible Variations to Consider

• Swap out chicken for a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, for a vegetarian version.
• Add in some colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use whole wheat or lentil-based pasta for even more protein and fiber.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of protein pasta?
Absolutely! Regular pasta will work fine, but you may want to adjust the cooking time.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free parmesan substitute and plant-based pesto to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes! Marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to toss it into your pasta.

This cozy High Protein Pesto Pasta with Chicken recipe is not just easy to make; it also delivers on taste and nutrition, ensuring that dinner is both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy and share this delightful recipe with your family!