Pesto ‘N Pasta Chicken

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Servings: 3 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Quick and creamy chicken pasta with a fresh, tangy yogurt-spinach pesto sauce
Pesto 'N Pasta Chicken recipe image

This Pesto ‘N Pasta Chicken is a vibrant, low-fat twist on classic Italian comfort food. Tender bite-sized chicken breasts are sautéed until golden, then tossed with al dente penne and a luscious, homemade sauce. The sauce blends fresh spinach, basil, garlic, and pine nuts with creamy nonfat yogurt and Parmesan for a rich flavor without the heavy cream. ItâÂÂs a protein-packed meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory chicken, nutty pasta, and bright herbaceous sauce creates a balanced dish that is both satisfying and light. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pesto 'N Pasta Chicken recipe image
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Pesto ‘N Pasta Chicken

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 3 Calories: 93.6
Dietary:
L Low-fat

Description

This Pesto 'N Pasta Chicken is a vibrant, low-fat twist on classic Italian comfort food. Tender bite-sized chicken breasts are saut&# 195;©ed until golden, then tossed with al dente penne and a luscious, homemade sauce. The sauce blends fresh spinach, basil, garlic, and pine nuts with creamy nonfat yogurt and Parmesan for a rich flavor without the heavy cream. ItâÂÂs a protein-packed meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory chicken, nutty pasta, and bright herbaceous sauce creates a balanced dish that is both satisfying and light. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat, then drain well and keep warm.
  3. Combine the spinach, Parmesan cheese, basil, pine nuts, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, yogurt, and salt in a blender or food processor.
  4. Blend until the mixture is smooth, then pour into a small bowl and set aside.
  5. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
  6. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sauté until browned on all sides.
  7. Stir in the reserved spinach mixture and cover the skillet.
  8. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly heated, being careful not to let the sauce boil.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the sauce.
  10. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3

Amount Per Serving
Calories 93.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.0g4%
Saturated Fat 0.6g3%
Cholesterol 48.2mg17%
Sodium 42.0mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 17.6g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken, pasta, pesto, spinach, yogurt, italian, low-fat, healthy, weeknight dinner, quick meal, penne, basil, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, easy recipe
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