Servings
Font
Back
Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard
0 from 0 votes

Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard

This Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard is the perfect one-pot meal that will save you time in the kitchen and give you a delicious and nutritious dinner.

Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 501 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne
  • 12 ounces chicken breast cubed, boneless
  • ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 swiss chard chopped, bunch
  • basil pesto (see recipe below)
Basil Pesto
  • 1 cup basil packed, leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoon pine nuts (toasted)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine all basil pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Season with salt/pepper to taste.
  2. Prepare whole wheat penne according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid.
  3. Meanwhile, heat a large sauce pan to medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cook until chicken is browned, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. Add swiss chard to the pan along with 2 tbs reserved cooking water. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits leftover from the chicken. Cover and let steam for 2 minutes.
  5. Add basil pesto to the chard and cook until warmed. Add more of the reserved pasta water to loosen pesto and make a sauce. Stir chicken back in and heat until warm. Serve with optional parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, and Iron

Nutrition Information

Calories 501kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 46.8g (16%) Protein 35.3g (71%) Fat 20.5g (32%) Saturated Fat 3.7g (19%) Cholesterol 75mg (25%) Sodium 226mg (9%) Fiber 4.3g (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 501

% Daily Value*

Calories 501kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 46.8g 16%
Protein 35.3g 71%
Fat 20.5g 32%
Saturated Fat 3.7g 19%
Cholesterol 75mg 25%
Sodium 226mg 9%
Fiber 4.3g 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.