Nut-Free Pasta with Pesto and Chicken
Say goodbye to nut-based pesto with this irresistible Nut-Free Pasta with Pesto and Chicken! This fresh, family-friendly recipe combines tender, golden-browned chicken breasts, hearty whole wheat pasta, and a creamy basil pesto made without nuts—perfect for those with allergies or dietary preferences. The zesty pesto, blended with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, creates a bright and vibrant sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and finished in just under an hour, this dish delivers bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in every bite. Serve it straight from the skillet for a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
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Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 grams whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Step 4
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Step 5
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 6
To make the pesto, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon of pasta water if needed for a smooth consistency.
Step 7
Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and the nut-free pesto.
Step 9
Toss everything together over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed, until the pasta is well coated and the mixture is heated through.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1103.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2426.4 |
| Total Fat 174.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 38.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 250mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3894.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 120.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.7g | |
| Protein 119.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1050.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1820.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories