This fantastically easy recipe utilizes bottled sun-dried tomato pesto to cut your prep time.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4, 3 ounces chicken and 1 cup pasta per serving

　　1 teaspoon canola or corn oil

　　4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 ounces each), all visible fat discarded

　　1/4 cup bottled sun-dried tomato pesto

　　2 tablespoons water

　　2 tablespoons dry red wine (regular or nonalcoholic)

　　1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil, crumbled

　　1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　9 ounces refrigerated angel hair pasta (lowest fat and sodium available)

　　

Step 1

Using the package directions for the pasta, put hot tap water into a pot and bring to a boil, covering the pot so the water boils faster.

　　

Step 2

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.

　　

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients except the pasta. Pour over the chicken. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

　　

Step 4

When the water for the pasta comes to a boil, add the pasta and cook using the package directions, omitting any salt and oil. Don’t overcook. Drain well in a colander.

　　

Step 5

Serve the chicken on the pasta. Spoon the pesto sauce over all.

　　

Basil-Parmesan Pesto Chicken and Pasta

Step 6

Replace the sun-dried tomato pesto with basil-Parmesan pesto, the dry red wine with dry white wine, and the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 8

Calories: 381

　　

Step 9

Total Fat: 9.0g

　　

Step 10

Saturated: 1.0g

　　

Step 11

Trans: 0.0g

　　

Step 12

Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

　　

Step 13

Monounsaturated: 1.0g

　　

Step 14

Cholesterol: 67mg

　　

Step 15

Sodium: 441mg

　　

Step 16

Carbohydrates: 39g

　　

Step 17

Fiber: 3g

　　

Step 18

Sugars: 3g

　　

Step 19

Protein: 34g

　　

Step 20

Dietary Exchanges

　　

Step 21

2 1/2 Starch

　　

Step 22

3 Lean Meat

　　

Basil-Parmesan Pesto Chicken and Pasta

Step 23

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 24

Calories: 408

　　

Step 25

Total Fat: 12.0g

　　

Step 26

Saturated: 1.5g

　　

Step 27

Trans: 0.0g

　　

Step 28

Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

　　

Step 29

Monounsaturated: 1.0g

　　

Step 30

Cholesterol: 70mg

　　

Step 31

Sodium: 483mg

　　

Step 32

Carbohydrates: 37g

　　

Step 33

Fiber: 3g

　　

Step 34

Sugars: 3g

　　

Step 35

Protein: 35g

　　

Step 36

Dietary Exchanges

　　

Step 37

2 1/2 Starch

　　

Step 38

3 Lean Meat

　　American Heart Association Quick & Easy Meals