During the warm Summer months, I avoid turning on the oven at all costs. This is even more true now that I’m 9 months pregnant and seem to be 20 degrees warmer than everyone else around me!  My Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard is the perfect one-pot meal that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.  The basil pesto can be made days or weeks ahead of time. In fact, it freezes fabulously so feel free to make extra and store leftovers in a small plastic zip-lock in your freezer. When you find yourself in the middle of Winter without a fresh herb in site, you will be happy to have homemade pesto waiting for you.

Swiss chard is one of my absolute favorite leafy greens.  Not to point any fingers, but I’m guessing your family isn’t eating enough leafy greens.  I’m not talking romaine lettuce – I’m talking dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, chard, etc.  These antioxidant rich vegetables are nutrition power-houses.  Intimidated on how to incorporate? Here are a few additional recipes containing leafy greens:

Lemony Lentil Soup with Spinach
Banana Berry Kale Smoothie
Brown Rice with Spinach and Herbs
Cheesy Whole Wheat Noodles with Turkey and Spinach
Fire Roasted Tomato, Sausage and Kale Pasta

Your fork is waiting.

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Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard

This Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard is the perfect one-pot meal that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.

Course: Entree

Servings: 4

Calories: 501 kcal

Author: Liz DellaCroce

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat penne
• 12 oz boneless chicken breasts cubed
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 bunch swiss chard chopped
• Basil Pesto see recipe below

Basil Pesto

• 1 c basil leaves packed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 c parmigianno reggiano cheese
• 2 tbs lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbs pine nuts toasted
• 1/4 c olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

US Measurements - Convert to Metric

Instructions

1. Combine all basil pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Season with salt/pepper to taste.
2. Prepare whole wheat penne according to package directions reserving 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid.
3. Meanwhile, heat a large sauce pan to medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray.
4. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper before adding to pan.
5. Cook until chicken is browned, about 7 minutes.
6. Remove chicken from pan.
7. Add swiss chard to the pan along with 2 tbs reserved cooking water.
8. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits leftover from the chicken.
9. Cover and let steam for 2 minutes.
10. Add basil pesto to the chard and cook until warmed.
11. Add more of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the pesto and create a sauce.
12. Stir in chicken and pasta before serving.

Recipe Notes

Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, and Iron

Nutrition Facts

Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard

Amount Per Serving

Calories 501 Calories from Fat 185

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 20.5g 32%

Saturated Fat 3.7g 19%

Cholesterol 75mg 25%

Sodium 226mg 9%

Total Carbohydrates 46.8g 16%

Dietary Fiber 4.3g 17%

Protein 35.3g 71%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Love fresh herbs? Check out Cook at Home’s Ingredient Spotlight on Fresh Herbs!