My favorite meals growing up were pasta paired with any protein. Which is why this is what I like to call the ultimate comfort meal. A night of pesto pasta is simply the way to my heart. After any bad day, this day could turn it around!
This is a pesto recipe that I’ve finally perfected and the best part is it’s dairy free! Adding any protein to this pasta dish would work but I love to pair pesto pasta with chicken. This is a great one for meal prep or your weekly repertoire. The reason why this meal is a go-to of mine is because is full of nutrients to keep me satisfied and happy. Protein in the chicken, healthy fats in the pesto and nuts, carbs in the pasta, and greens in a side salad. Additionally, this dish comes together in 20-30 minutes. Especially when it comes to meal prepping, the less time in the kitchen the less I dread the process. While to chicken is cooking, you can prepare the pasta and sauce.
Ingredients:
For the pesto-
1 cup Basil
1 Avocado
1 Lemon for the juice
4 cloves of Garlic
1 tsp minced onion
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup pasta water
1/4 cup walnuts
Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Chicken-
2 boneless chicken breasts
1 tbs Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp Lemon Pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Pasta –
1 cup of past. Any kind works! My favorite is Trader Joe’s Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta
How to:
Start by rubbing olive oil on the chicken. And in a small bowl add the lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub on each side of the chicken.
Cook in the air fryer at 380 degrees for 9 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for another 9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
In the meantime, start cooking the pasta.
(Sauce) In a blender add all the ingredients for the pesto, and blend until a thick pudding-like consistency. Add extra seasoning to your liking. Have fun with this part!
When the pasta is al dente, add the sauce. And now it’s time to plate!
Assemble the pasta onto the plate alongside the cooked chicken breasts. I like to add extra walnuts and lemon on top of the pasta for additional flavor. Enjoy!