Nutrient-Packed Green Pasta
Today, we're whipping up a dish that's bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients. Say hello to our Garlic Marinated Chicken with Quality Pasta and a nutrient-rich sauce made with peas, spinach, garlic, and lemon.
Ingredients
Green Sauce
- 4 handfuls of spinach
- 2 cups cups of green peas
- 2 lemons + the zest
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/3 cup parmasean shredded
- 3/4 cup pasta water
- salt, pepper, chilli flakes
The Protein
- 4 chicken breasts i used black garlic marinated from whole foods
The Pasta
- 1 package fresh pasta roughly 5 cups of noodles before cooked
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Begin by adding the spinach and peas in boiling water for a couple of minutes until they're tender but still vibrant in color. Then, drain them and set then into ice water to blanche them. In a blender, combine the blanched spinach and peas with the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Blend everything together until you have a smooth and vibrant green sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set the sauce aside for later.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fresh pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but make sure to reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help bind the sauce later on.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your marinated chicken breasts. If you're using pre-marinated chicken breasts like the black garlic ones from Whole Foods, simply cook them according to the package instructions. I put the chicken in the airfry on the chicken setting. Alternatively, marinate your chicken breasts in a garlic marinade of your choice for extra flavor.
- Combine and Serve: In a large pan, add the blended sauce and warm it over medium heat. Once heated through, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until it's well coated.To serve, plate the pasta alongside the cooked chicken breasts. Feel free to slice the chicken breasts for easier serving.Finish off by sprinkling some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy! Now, all that's left to do is dig in and enjoy this delicious and nutrient-packed meal! The creamy green sauce complements the tender garlic-marinated chicken perfectly, making every bite a delight.
Notes
Quick Tips:
- If you're short on time, you can use frozen spinach and peas instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before blending.
- Don't hesitate to customize the dish to your taste preferences. Add more garlic for an extra kick or adjust the amount of lemon juice for a tangier sauce.
- This recipe is great for meal prep! Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to enjoy again.