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Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach (25 Minutes, 48 g Protein)

Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach

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Seared chicken breast and whole wheat pasta cooked in one pot with broth, tossed with basil pesto, wilted spinach, and a spoon of Greek yogurt for creaminess without the cream. Four bowls in 25 minutes.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 589

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto
  • 0.5 cup low fat greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

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Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces and pat them dry. Season with the salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and set it aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving it for 3 minutes, then stir and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, until browned and 165°F inside. Move the chicken to a plate.
  3. Add the garlic to the same pot and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the broth and water, scrape up the browned bits, and bring it to a boil.
  4. Add the pasta, drop the heat to a steady simmer, and cook uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes so nothing sticks. The pasta is done when it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, with a few spoonfuls of starchy liquid left in the bottom.
  5. Turn off the heat. Add the spinach in handfuls and stir until it wilts, about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the pesto, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and the cooked chicken with any juices from the plate. Keep the heat off so the yogurt stays smooth.
  7. Taste and add a pinch more pepper if you like. Divide into 4 bowls and top with the parmesan. Serve right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 589kcalCarbohydrates: 43.7gProtein: 48.2gFat: 23.5gSaturated Fat: 5.1gCholesterol: 99.1mgSodium: 941.3mgPotassium: 896.5mgFiber: 5.5gSugar: 3.9gVitamin C: 13.8mgCalcium: 213.6mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

If the pasta looks dry before it is tender, add water 0.25 cup at a time. Chickpea pasta works in place of whole wheat and adds protein, but needs an extra 0.5 cup of water. Nutrition is calculated per serving from the listed ingredients and may vary with brands and substitutions.

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