High Protein Pesto Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with this High Protein Pesto Pasta, a deliciously wholesome twist on a classic favorite! Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, this recipe combines protein-rich chickpea pasta and tender bites of seasoned chicken breast for a satisfying, muscle-fueling meal. The vibrant basil pesto sauce is perfectly complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a burst of fresh, savory flavors in every bite. Quick and easy to make in under 40 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep—and it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re seeking high-protein dinner ideas or simply craving comforting Italian-inspired cuisine, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with a healthy twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Chickpea pasta
• 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Basil pesto
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 4

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.

Step 5

Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in the basil pesto.

Step 7

If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauce consistency.

Step 8

Toss the pasta to coat well in the pesto. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 9

Top the pasta with pine nuts and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1160.7 grams (1160.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2993

Total Fat 146.70g	188%
Saturated Fat 24.30g	122%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.20g
Cholesterol 395mg	132%
Sodium 3970mg	173%
Total Carbohydrate 216.10g	79%
Dietary Fiber 52.10g	186%
Total Sugars 41.30g
Protein 238.40g	477%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1002mg	77%
Iron 33mg	183%
Potassium 2203mg	47%

*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: 30.4%

Carbs: 27.5%