Vegetarian Pesto Chicken
Delight your taste buds with this Vegetarian Pesto Chicken, a vibrant and wholesome twist on a classic favorite! This recipe pairs tender, golden-brown meat-free chicken substitutes with a homemade basil pesto bursting with the fresh flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and zesty lemon juice. Tossed with juicy, skillet-warmed cherry tomatoes, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. With its rich, nutty pesto and satisfying meat-free protein, this vegetarian recipe appeals to both plant-based eaters and pesto lovers alike. Serve it as is or alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. Ideal for those seeking quick, flavorful vegetarian meals, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Ingredients
- 500 g Meat-free chicken substitute
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil for frying
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and roughly chopped garlic cloves.
Step 2
Pulse the mixture until coarsely combined.
Step 3
Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
Step 4
With the processor running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well-combined. Set aside.
Step 5
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set aside.
Step 6
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 7
Add the meat-free chicken substitute pieces to the skillet. Cook until they are golden brown and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 8
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cook for an additional 2 minutes until they start to soften slightly.
Step 9
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the prepared pesto sauce, ensuring the vegetarian chicken and tomatoes are well coated.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (969.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2741.6 |
| Total Fat 232.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 35.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.0g | |
| Cholesterol 44.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3515.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 71.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 11.7g | |
| Protein 103.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 789.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1930.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories