Chicken Pesto Pasta Meal Prep
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
35 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Course
Main Course
Chicken Pesto Pasta Meal Prep
Description
This recipe-roasts trimmed asparagus until crisp-tender, then chops it for easy mixing. Whole wheat penne pasta is cooked until just tender and drained. Chicken breast pieces are seasoned and pan-seared to a golden finish, ensuring juiciness inside. Cherry tomatoes add freshness and brightness to the dish.
In a large bowl, roasted asparagus, cooked pasta, seared chicken, tomatoes, and basil pesto are combined. The pesto evenly coats the ingredients, offering herbal and savory flavors that complement the tender chicken and earthy asparagus. Chopped parsley added as a garnish enhances freshness and presentation.
This meal prep recipe suits those looking for convenient, portioned lunches or dinners with balanced protein, veggies, and whole grains. Assembling in containers allows easy refrigeration and reheating without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup cherry tomato
- ½ cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
- Place asparagus in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine. Place into oven and roast for 8-12 minutes, or until tender but crisp. Let cool before cutting into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Add to skillet and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine asparagus, pasta, chicken, tomatoes and pesto.
- Place into meal prep containers, garnished with parsley, if desired.