High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
Sara Gomez here, and welcome to my kitchen where meal prep is my love language. I’ve spent years perfecting the art of batch cooking, and today I’m excited to share with you one of my favourite recipes that’s not only delicious but also surprisingly budget-friendly – High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep. This recipe has been a staple in our household for months, and I stumbled upon this combination by accident, and it’s been a hit ever since.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
- It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, as it’s ready in under an hour.
- It’s incredibly nutritious, with a whopping 35g of protein per serving.
- It’s super versatile and can be customised to suit your taste preferences.
- It’s budget-friendly, with a cost per serving of just £1.50.
- It’s perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 250g wholewheat pasta
- 1x 300g pack boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (see below)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Tip: Make sure to buy wholewheat pasta to get the most nutritional benefits.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling
- Colander
- Large frying pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
How to Make High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
- Blanch the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, and pine nuts. Process until well combined. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process until the pesto reaches the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta, pesto, and chicken: In a large serving dish, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, and chicken. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the pesto.
- Add the vegetables and cheese: Add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese to the pasta mixture. Toss until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper: Season the pasta mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the pasta mixture.
- Ready to serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Use a high-quality store-bought pesto: Fresh pesto is a game-changer in this recipe, and it’s worth investing in a good brand.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is a must for this recipe. If the pasta is overcooked, it will become mushy and unappetising.
- Add your favourite vegetables: This recipe is a great base for adding your favourite vegetables. Try adding diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach for added nutrition.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat in your meal prep, try adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture.
- Freeze it: This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply portion the pasta mixture into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure to leave enough space between each piece to prevent steaming instead of searing. This will result in a less appetising texture.
- Wrong temperature: Make sure to cook the pasta at a rolling boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. This will prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked.
- Skipping the rest time: Make sure to let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to meld together and the pasta to absorb the pesto.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Swap out the chicken for some marinated tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan pesto for a plant-based version.
- Different Protein: Try adding some diced chicken thighs or even some cooked shrimp for a different protein option.
What to Serve With High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple green salad
- Grilled chicken or steak
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like, but keep in mind that different types of pasta have different cooking times. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand that doesn’t contain any added preservatives or artificial flavourings.
Can I add other vegetables to the pasta mixture?
Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to the pasta mixture. Some other options include diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, and chopped spinach.
Can I freeze the pasta mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta mixture for up to 3 months. Simply portion the pasta mixture into individual containers and freeze for later use.
Can I use a different protein source?
Yes, you can use a different protein source, such as chicken thighs or even some cooked shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
A protein-packed pasta dish with homemade pesto, chicken, and vegetables, perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Method
- Blanch the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, and pine nuts. Process until well combined. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process until the pesto reaches the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta, pesto, and chicken: In a large serving dish, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, and chicken. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the pesto.
- Add the vegetables and cheese: Add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese to the pasta mixture. Toss until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper: Season the pasta mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the pasta mixture.
- Ready to serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Reserve pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish.
In conclusion, High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep is a delicious and nutritious meal prep recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its budget-friendly price tag and easy-to-make ingredients, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe – have you tried it before? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!
