Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard

5 stars average

Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard

This Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard is the perfect one-pot meal that will save you time in the kitchen and give you a delicious and nutritious dinner.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Cook Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 501kcal

Author Liz Della Croce

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat penne
12 ounces boneless chicken breasts cubed
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 bunch swiss chard chopped
Basil Pesto see recipe below

Basil Pesto

1 cup basil leaves packed
2 cloves garlic
½ cup parmigianno reggiano cheese
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoon pine nuts toasted
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

US Measurements - Convert to Metric

Instructions

Combine all basil pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Season with salt/pepper to taste.
Prepare whole wheat penne according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, heat a large sauce pan to medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cook until chicken is browned, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add swiss chard to the pan along with 2 tbs reserved cooking water. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits leftover from the chicken. Cover and let steam for 2 minutes.
Add basil pesto to the chard and cook until warmed. Add more of the reserved pasta water to loosen pesto and make a sauce. Stir chicken back in and heat until warm. Serve with optional parmesan cheese on top.

Video

Notes

Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, and Iron

Nutrition