Low Fat Chicken Pesto
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Low Fat Chicken Pesto recipe, a lighter take on the classic comfort food that doesn’t skimp on taste! Juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts are paired with whole grain pasta and tossed in a fragrant, homemade pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, low-fat Parmesan, and a refreshing splash of lemon juice. A quick sauté of cherry tomatoes adds a burst of color and natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the rich, herby sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy, healthy dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or alongside a crisp side salad for an unbeatable weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. Keywords: low fat chicken pesto, healthy chicken pasta, easy pesto recipe, whole grain pasta dinner.
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup low-fat Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth, reduced sodium
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Pulse until smooth to create the low-fat pesto.
Step 4
Cook the whole grain pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
Step 6
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 7
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes, reduce the heat to low, and add the pesto. Stir to combine and heat through.
Step 8
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (884.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1275.5 |
| Total Fat 43.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 15.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 331.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2537.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 74.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.4g | |
| Protein 148.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 867.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1904.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories