Low Sodium Chicken Pesto Pasta
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Low Sodium Chicken Pesto Pasta, a wholesome and heart-conscious twist on a classic Italian favorite. This recipe combines tender, golden-browned chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and a homemade pesto made with fresh basil, baby spinach, and zesty lemon juice for a burst of freshness. By skipping the added salt and relying on ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor, this dish is perfect for those seeking a delicious, low-sodium meal. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Serve warm and finish with a light sprinkling of Parmesan for a comforting, guilt-free delight the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4
To prepare the pesto, place the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in a food processor.
Step 5
Blend these ingredients until a thick paste forms, then slowly pour in the remaining olive oil while the processor is running to create a smooth pesto. Season with black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until just tender.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and pesto, tossing everything together until well-mixed.
Step 8
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1202.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2565.7 |
| Total Fat 161.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 22.1g | |
| Cholesterol 407.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 538.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 107.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.2g | |
| Protein 175.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 4.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 435.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2560.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories