High Protein Pasta al Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this High Protein Pasta al Pesto, a delicious fusion of vibrant flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients designed to fuel your body. Featuring edamame pasta as the base, this recipe delivers a protein boost while maintaining the comforting texture of classic pasta dishes. Tender slices of golden sautéed chicken breast pair perfectly with a creamy homemade pesto sauce, bursting with the freshness of basil, the nutty richness of walnuts, and a zesty hint of lemon juice. Tossed with shelled edamame beans for added texture and nutrients, this dish is not only wholesome but also quick to prepare, making it ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal option or a satisfying twist on traditional pasta al pesto, this recipe is a perfect choice for a balanced yet indulgent feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams edamame pasta
• 400 grams chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup edamame beans, shelled
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Once the water is boiling, add the edamame pasta and cook according to the package instructions (approximately 4-6 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5

In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, walnuts, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

Step 6

While the processor is running, gradually add lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until a smooth pesto forms.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and edamame beans.

Step 8

Add the pesto sauce to the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

If the pesto is too thick, add a little bit of water from the reserved 0.25 cup to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprig of basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1084.8 grams (1084.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2033

Total Fat 100.00g	128%
Saturated Fat 21.70g	109%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.80g
Cholesterol 384mg	128%
Sodium 4548mg	198%
Total Carbohydrate 85.40g	31%
Dietary Fiber 44.40g	159%
Total Sugars 13.80g
Protein 223.80g	448%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 890mg	68%
Iron 24mg	134%
Potassium 3977mg	85%

*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: 42.1%

Protein: 41.9%

Carbs: 16.0%