Heart-Healthy Chicken Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Heart-Healthy Chicken Pesto, a vibrant and wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender, oven-baked boneless chicken breasts paired with nutrient-rich homemade pesto made from fresh basil, baby spinach, garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon juice, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Whole wheat pasta provides a fiber-packed base, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of natural sweetness to every bite. Perfectly balanced and ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is low in saturated fats and high in heart-friendly ingredients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers. Serve it up with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a satisfying, guilt-free meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Baby spinach
• 2 units Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 8 ounces Whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 unit Olive oil cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3

Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.

Step 4

Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5

While the chicken is baking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, baby spinach, garlic cloves, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until smooth to make the pesto.

Step 7

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.

Step 8

In a large serving bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto until well coated.

Step 9

Add the sliced chicken and cherry tomatoes to the pasta, tossing gently to combine.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	973.5 grams (973.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1369

Total Fat 46.90g	60%
Saturated Fat 9.70g	49%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.80g
Cholesterol 396mg	132%
Sodium 1726mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate 75.10g	27%
Dietary Fiber 15.10g	54%
Total Sugars 7.40g
Protein 163.00g	326%

Vitamin D 23IU	114%
Calcium 305mg	23%
Iron 11mg	61%
Potassium 2168mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.7%

Protein: 47.4%

Carbs: 21.9%