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High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

High-Protein Pesto Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

A protein-packed pasta dish with homemade pesto, chicken, and vegetables, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g wholewheat pasta
  • 1 x 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Season with salt and pepper: Season the pasta mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the pasta mixture.
  8. 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.