Light Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe | Healthy Easy Dinner
Make light pesto pasta with chicken for a fresh, healthy meal. Easy recipe with basil pesto and tender chicken perfect for weeknight dinners!
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet for beef and chicken
- Blender or food processor (for pesto)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or flank)
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
- ½ cup chicken broth or plain yogurt (for light pesto)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in skillet. Add beef strips, season, and sear until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, cook chicken slices until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Light Pesto: Blend basil, garlic, Parmesan, nuts, olive oil, and broth/yogurt until smooth. Adjust with pasta water for consistency.
- Combine: Toss pasta with pesto sauce. Add beef and chicken, mixing until evenly coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Serve: Plate hot, with optional chili flakes for spice.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
- Substitute shrimp, salmon, or mushrooms for variety.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh sauce.
- Customize pesto with spinach, arugula, or kale for different flavors.