Low Sodium Pasta with Pesto and Chicken
Enjoy a flavorful and heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Low Sodium Pasta with Pesto and Chicken. Perfectly tender pasta is combined with juicy bites of sautéed chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, and peppery watercress, all tossed in a homemade pesto that's bursting with vibrant basil, zesty lemon juice, and crunchy unsalted walnuts. This low sodium recipe keeps things light and wholesome without compromising on flavor, making it ideal for those looking to reduce salt intake without sacrificing deliciousness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company. Serve it warm or cold with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a wonderfully balanced meal the whole family will love—packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Unsalted walnuts
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.33 cup Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Watercress or arugula
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water.
Step 2
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 4
Gradually add olive oil and lemon juice to the basil mixture while the food processor is running, blending until smooth. Season with black pepper to taste.
Step 5
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Step 6
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken pieces, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and watercress. Toss gently until well coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 7
Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your low-sodium meal!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1034.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2035.7 |
| Total Fat 115.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 7.1g | |
| Cholesterol 405.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 922.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 77.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 7.7g | |
| Protein 167.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 22.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 446.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1990.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories