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Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta

Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta: A Flavorful One-Pot Delight

Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta is a vibrant one-pot dish packed with wholesome ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Whole Wheat Rotini Feel free to swap with any pasta shape you prefer.
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts Substitute with boneless skinless thighs or omit for a vegetarian option.
For the Flavorful Sauce
  • 1 cup Jarred Pesto Consider making a fresh version for an extra zing.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced is best.
For the Veggie Medley
  • 1 medium Zucchini You can double up with yellow squash or opt for broccoli or mushrooms.
  • 1 medium Yellow Squash Feel free to use additional zucchini if that’s what you have on hand.
  • 1 cup Plum Tomatoes You can substitute with other tomato varieties.
  • 1 medium Red Onion White or yellow onion can be used as alternatives.
  • 2 cups Spinach Other greens like kale can work just as well.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

How to Make Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat rotini and cook until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, cooking for 2-3 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and minced garlic into the chicken. Continue to sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables become tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Return the cooked rotini to the pot filled with the sautéed mixture. Mix in the reserved pasta water and jarred pesto, stirring until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped spinach until it just wilts, then remove the pan from the heat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

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