Asparagus Penne Pesto Chicken

The star of this meal prep image is the vibrant and flavorful Asparagus Penne Pesto Chicken. This dish combines the succulence of grilled chicken with the aromatic punch of basil pesto, creating a protein-packed entree that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious main course and its accompanying sides.

The Recipe:

Asparagus Penne Pesto Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup penne pasta
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Grill chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side.
3. While chicken cooks, boil penne pasta according to package instructions.
4. Slice grilled chicken into strips.
5. Toss chicken strips with basil pesto.
6. Drain pasta and toss with olive oil and sesame seeds.
7. Combine chicken and pasta in a meal prep container.

Detailed Preparation:

• To make the perfect Asparagus Penne Pesto Chicken, start by marinating the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful. When grilling, aim for nice char marks to add depth of flavor.

• For the pesto, you can make it from scratch or use store-bought for convenience. If making your own, blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.

• Cook the penne pasta al dente to maintain a pleasant texture when reheated. Tossing the pasta with a touch of olive oil and sesame seeds adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the pesto.

Variations:

• Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for different protein options.
• Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper.
• Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content.

Time-Saving Tips:

• Prep chicken and make pesto in advance.
• Use a grill pan for indoor cooking to save time on setup.
• Cook extra pasta and chicken to use in other meals throughout the week.
• For the best experience, slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to reheat the meal. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Also, store the pesto separately and mix it in just before eating to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.

The Side Dishes:

Steamed Asparagus Spears:

• Trim the woody ends of the asparagus.
• Steam for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Penne Pasta with Sesame:

• Cook penne according to package instructions.
• Drain and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This can be combined with the chicken or kept separate.

Fresh Blueberries:

• Simply wash and pat dry.
• No further preparation needed, making them a perfect, easy addition to your meal prep.

Equipment & Ingredients:

To create this meal efficiently, consider these Amazon purchases:

Equipment:

• Meal Prep Containers
• Grill Pan
• Food Processor
• Pasta Pot with Strainer Insert
• Steamer Basket
• Airtight Spice Containers

Ingredients:

• Quality Olive Oil
• Pine Nuts
• Basil Plants
• Sesame Seeds

By assembling these items, you’ll be well-equipped to create this nutritious and delicious meal prep with ease and consistency.