Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard
- Total time
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Cuisine
- American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne
- 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 bunch swiss chard (chopped)
- Basil Pesto (see recipe below)
- 1 cup basil leaves (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup parmigianno reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1
Combine all basil pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Season with salt/pepper to taste.
- 2
Prepare whole wheat penne according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
Source: thelemonbowl.com·Own this recipe or photo? Request removal