High Protein Avocado Pesto Pasta Chicken

High Protein Avocado Pesto and Chicken Pasta

Written by on in Dinner, Lunch, Pasta Dishes

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and high-protein meal, this High Protein Avocado Pesto and Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for you! Combining creamy avocado, fresh basil, and protein-packed cottage cheese, this pesto sauce is a delightful twist on the classic. Paired with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner.

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High Protein Avocado Pesto Pasta Sauce Ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • High Protein Content: With protein from both the chicken and the cottage cheese, this meal supports muscle growth and keeps you full longer.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, requiring minimal preparation time.
  • Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and essential vitamins from fresh basil and lemon juice.
  • Delicious Flavor: The creamy avocado pesto paired with juicy, spiced chicken makes for an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal.

Tips to Make This Recipe:

  • Gently toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta until it is just tender but still firm to the bite.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the pesto sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Grill Chicken Perfectly: Ensure the chicken is not overcooked by keeping the slices relatively thick and cooking over medium-high heat.
High Protein Avocado Pesto Pasta Sauce

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, including whole wheat, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based pasta.

Can I make the pesto sauce in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the pesto sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

What can I use as a substitute for pine nuts?

You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Grilled Chicken

Nutritional Facts about the Ingredients:

  • Chicken Breast: A lean source of high-quality protein, providing essential amino acids.
  • Avocado: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Basil: Contains vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
  • Cottage Cheese: Low in fat and high in protein, making it a great addition to the pesto.
  • Olive Oil: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savoury flavour and provides calcium and protein.
  • Pine Nuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.
  • Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and adds depth of flavour.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavour and is a good source of vitamin C.
High Protein Avocado Pesto and Chicken Pasta
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High Protein Avocado Pesto and Chicken Pasta

Recipe by XiolyCourse: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • Ingredients for the Pasta Sauce:

  • 360g pasta

  • 25g fresh basil

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 200g low-fat cottage cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

  • 30g parmesan cheese, grated

  • 30g pine nuts

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 1/3 cup water

  • 1 tsp salt

  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

  • Ingredients for the Chicken:

  • 500g chicken breasts

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp dried coriander

  • 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Toast the Pine Nuts:
  • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • Slice the chicken breasts into two or three pieces each, ensuring they are not too thin to prevent drying out. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried coriander, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and let rest.
  • Make the Pesto Sauce:
  • In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, avocado, cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water or pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Combine and Serve:
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto sauce until well coated. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and serve on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Watch this Recipe’s Video:

@seeolee_cooks

High Protein Avocado Pesto and Chicken Pasta You will love this easy, delicious and high in protein pasta sauce! Just put all your ingredients in a blender, blend and add to cooked pasta! Ingredients for the pasta sauce: 360g pasta 25g basil 1 avocado 200g low-fat cottage cheese 2 tbsp olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon 30g Parmesan cheese 30g Pine nuts 2 garlic cloves 1/3 cup water 1 tsp salt Freshly ground pepper Ingredients for the Chicken: 500gr chicken breasts 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried coriander 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking Salt and Pepper to taste #easyrecipe

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