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Spinach Pesto Pasta with Chicken

This spinach pesto pasta with chicken is a healthy and budget-friendly recipe that you'll want to make again and again. A bright and vibrant pesto made with baby spinach and almonds, served with a perfectly grilled chicken breast.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Australian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 805kcal
Author Sally
Cost $2.75 per serve

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (60 grams) baby spinach
  • ½ cup raw almonds
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt more to taste
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 300 grams dried pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts sliced horizontally in half
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • In a food processor, combine the baby spinach, raw almonds, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  • Season the chicken breast halves with salt, pepper, and dried herbs on both sides. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the centre. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the packet instructions (usually around 10 minutes). Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  • Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add the spinach pesto and mix well. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Slice the cooked chicken breasts. Plate the pesto pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 805kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 1380mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 11136IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 6mg
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