Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is a wholesome, flavourful dish that supports gut health and weight management.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

For the Bake:

  •  200g whole-grain pasta 
  •  400g skinless chicken breast, diced 
  •  1 tbsp olive oil 
  •  1 medium zucchini, grated  
  •  1 cup baby spinach, chopped  
  •  1 medium onion, finely diced  
  •  3 garlic cloves, minced 
  •  1 cup broccoli florets, chopped  
  •   1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved  

For the Sauce:

  •   1 cup unsweetened almond milk (gut-friendly dairy alternative)
  •  1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (probiotics to promote gut health)
  •  2 tbsp pesto (adds flavour and healthy fats)
  •  1 tbsp arrowroot powder (low-glycemic thickener)

For the Topping:

  • 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for flavour)
  • 2 tbsp almond meal (for a crispy topping and added healthy fats)

 Method

  1.  Cook the whole-grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
  3.  In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and grated zucchini until softened. Stir in spinach, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together almond milk, Greek yogurt, pesto, and arrowroot powder. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook over low heat, stirring until thickened.
  5. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  6.  In a large ovenproof dish, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable sauce. Stir until well mixed.
  7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and almond meal evenly on top.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Benefits

For Tummy Fat Reduction:

1.         High Protein: Chicken breast supports muscle repair and boosts metabolism.

2.         Healthy Fats: Olive oil, pesto, and almond meal aid in hormone regulation and promote satiety.

3.         Low-Glycemic Ingredients: Whole-grain pasta and arrowroot powder maintain stable blood sugar levels.

For Gut Health:

1.         Prebiotic Ingredients: Garlic and onion feed good gut bacteria for a healthy microbiome.

2.         Fibre-Rich Vegetables: Zucchini, broccoli, spinach, and whole-grain pasta promote digestion and regularity.

3.         Probiotic Boost: Greek yogurt adds live cultures that support gut health.

Nutritional value (Per Serving)

            Calories: 509.8 kcal

            Protein: 43.4 g

            Carbohydrates: 48.5 g

            Fat: 14.3 g

            Fibre: 7.6 g

 

Back to blog