If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious meal, this Easy Healthy Vegetarian Pesto Pasta Recipe is just the ticket. Bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, this dish combines the aromatic allure of homemade pesto with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Get ready to enjoy a plateful of goodness that’s as delicious as it is wholesome!
Steps
- Start by boiling a large pot of water, adding salt, and cooking the pasta until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook them until they are no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and crushed red pepper to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the pesto along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, adjusting the heat to low.
- Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring everything together until well combined. If the sauce appears too thick, add more pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, and garnish with chopped nuts if desired. Serve hot, with extra grated cheese on the side for additional flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) dried pasta
- Kosher salt (for boiling pasta)
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated garlic
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- ½ cup basil pesto sauce
- ? cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pistachios, pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds), preferably unsalted
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1588kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 116g | Fat: 116g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 2280mg | Potassium: 1904mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3080IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 560mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They work well in this recipe and provide a slightly different flavor and texture.
- What type of pasta is best for this dish?
- This recipe is versatile, so you can use any shape of dried pasta you have available. Options like spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, penne, or bow ties all work well to capture the sauce.
- Is it possible to make a creamy pesto sauce?
- Absolutely! For a creamy version, you can stir in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream along with the pesto. This will enrich the sauce and give it a smooth texture.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, you can omit the chicken altogether for a vegetarian version. Additionally, consider adding about a cup of sliced cherry tomatoes or 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- What can I use as a garnish for added texture?
- Chopped nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or almonds make a delightful, crunchy garnish. Ensure they are unsalted for the best flavor balance.
Tips
- Use Reserved Pasta Water: Incorporate some of the starchy pasta cooking water into the sauce while mixing to help it bind better and achieve a silky consistency.
- Choose Versatile Pasta Shapes: Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, whether it’s long strands like spaghetti or short types like penne, as they all work well to capture the pesto sauce.
- Add a Crunchy Garnish: Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Opt for unsalted nuts if possible.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with other proteins like sausage or shrimp, or omit it altogether for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and combining the ingredients.
- Garlic Press (optional): For grating fresh garlic, although a knife can also be used.
- Measuring Cups: For measuring pasta water, pesto sauce, and other ingredients.
