
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
- Cook the whole-grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large ovenproof dish, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and almond meal evenly on top.
- 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