Pasta with Pesto and Poached Chicken Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Pasta with Pesto and Poached Chicken recipe, a savory delight that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with wholesome goodness. With a cook time of just 20 minutes, and a total time of 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or snack option, especially for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. It’s a one-dish meal that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit among both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to whip up this delectable dish!
- Recipe Name: Pasta with Pesto and Poached Chicken
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Chicken, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, European, Kid Friendly, < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Rotini Pasta |
| 12 | Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves |
| 1/4 | Pesto Sauce |
| 1/2 | Fat Free Sour Cream |
| 1 | Tomato |
| 1 | Pine Nuts |
| 1/4 | Walnuts |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 345.6
- Fat Content: 9.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 57.3mg
- Sodium Content: 125.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 38.7g
- Fiber Content: 1.9g
- Sugar Content: 4.3g
- Protein Content: 26.5g
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: rotini pasta, boneless skinless chicken breast halves, pesto sauce, fat-free sour cream, tomato, pine nuts, and walnuts.
-
Cook Pasta and Chicken:
- In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions.
- About 5 to 6 minutes before the pasta is done, add the boneless skinless chicken breast halves to the pot.
- Cook until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
-
Drain and Rinse:
- Once the pasta and chicken are cooked, drain them in a colander.
- Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain again thoroughly.
-
Prepare Pesto Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pesto sauce and fat-free sour cream.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken mixture to the bowl with the pesto mixture.
- Chop the tomato into small pieces and add it to the bowl as well.
-
Toss Lightly:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the pesto sauce and sour cream mixture.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle the pasta with pine nuts and walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serve the Pasta with Pesto and Poached Chicken immediately, and enjoy the delicious medley of flavors and textures!
Tips:
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli would all be excellent choices.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.
- Substitution Options: Don’t have pine nuts or walnuts on hand? You can easily swap them out for almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a different twist.
- Adjust Pesto to Taste: If you prefer a stronger pesto flavor, you can add more pesto sauce to the dish according to your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
With its simplicity, versatility, and irresistible flavors, this Pasta with Pesto and Poached Chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress. So why wait? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious!
