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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
mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 501 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne
- 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts (cubed)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (chopped)
- basil pesto (see recipe below)
Basil Pesto
- 1 cup basil leaves (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup parmigianno reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts (toasted)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all basil pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Season with salt/pepper to taste.
- Prepare whole wheat penne according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cup of Yum
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: 4Serving
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.