High Protein Penne Pasta with Pesto
Fuel your day with this hearty and nutritious High Protein Penne Pasta with Pesto—a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Featuring tender whole wheat penne, juicy seared chicken breast, and protein-rich adzuki beans, this recipe combines the best of taste and nutrition. The creamy homemade pesto, made with fresh basil, baby spinach, and pine nuts, elevates the dish with a burst of earthy and nutty flavors. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make pasta comes together in just 40 minutes and is loaded with protein for a nourishing, balanced meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for a show-stopping finish that’s sure to please any crowd.
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Ingredients
- 300 g whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 200 g adzuki beans, canned
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
- 40 g pine nuts
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
Step 4
Step 4: Rinse and drain the canned adzuki beans under cold water and set aside.
Step 5
Step 5: To make the pesto, combine fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, grated parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of water, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a bit more olive oil or reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Step 6
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sliced chicken, adzuki beans, and pesto. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto.
Step 7
Step 7: Serve the high protein penne pasta immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1101.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2986.5 |
| Total Fat 135.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 26.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.0g | |
| Cholesterol 345.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3956.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 258.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 35.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.3g | |
| Protein 184.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 45.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 835.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3118.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories