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Close-up view of high protein pesto pasta with chicken and fresh basil.
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High Protein Pesto Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650
A quick and nutritious pasta dish packed with plant-based protein and fresh flavors, perfect for a wholesome meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz chickpea pasta (Banza or similar)

Fresh Basil

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)

Nuts

  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts)

Garlic

  • 2 cloves garlic

Cheese

  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy

  • 1/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt

Oil

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Lemon Juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt & Pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin (or 1 can white beans for vegan)

Additional Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Oil

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Pasta Water

  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions 

  • Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  • Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  • Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Toss cooked pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Top with sliced chicken and serve.

Notes

For vegan, substitute chicken with white beans and omit Parmesan cheese.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: High Protein, Pasta