Dairy-Free Pesto Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, herbaceous flavors of this Dairy-Free Pesto Chicken Pasta—a wholesome twist on a beloved classic. Perfect for those avoiding dairy, this recipe features a velvety pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, delivering all the rich flavors of a traditional pesto without the cheese. Tender, golden-seared chicken pairs beautifully with hearty brown rice pasta, while cherry tomatoes and sautéed spinach add bursts of freshness and vibrant color. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is an easy, gluten-free dinner that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Serve it up for family dinners or meal prep, and enjoy a healthy, dairy-free pasta dish that’s packed with bold, irresistible flavors!
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 8 ounces Brown rice pasta
- 2 cups Basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups Spinach
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the brown rice pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4
To prepare the dairy-free pesto, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt to taste.
Step 5
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the sliced cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 6
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and dairy-free pesto to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil leaves or pine nuts if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (958.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1938.5 |
| Total Fat 70.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 9.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g | |
| Cholesterol 286mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2687.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 192.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.1g | |
| Protein 134.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 135.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1565.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories