High Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta

High Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta

Ingredients: 

Pasta

  • 12 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 4 cups chicken bone broth
  • Water (enough to cover pasta)

Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan
  • ⅓ cup walnuts or pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ⅓ cup J Olive Madagascar Black Pepper Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt

Mix-Ins

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast
  • 1 cup asparagus, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp Madagascar Black Pepper Olive Oil

Finish

  • Neapolitan Balsamic Vinegar, for drizzling
  • Extra basil or Parmesan (optional)

Instructions: 

  • Cook the pasta
  • Boil pasta until tender. Drain and save a splash of cooking liquid.
  • Make the pesto
  • Blend basil, spinach, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt (or cream cheese) until smooth.
  • Cook the veggies
  • Sauté asparagus in olive oil for 3–4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook 1 more minute.
  • Toss it all together
  • Add pasta, chicken, and pesto to the skillet. Stir until coated. Add a splash of pasta liquid if needed.
  • Serve + drizzle
  • Top with Neapolitan Balsamic for the perfect sweet finish.

Protein Boost Tips

  • Bone broth adds extra protein while cooking pasta
  • Greek yogurt or cream cheese makes pesto creamy with added protein