When you all ask for a recipe, I deliver! This high-protein, macro-friendly chicken and roasted red pepper pesto pasta is my go-to for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. It’s paired with a Green Goddess side salad that’s packed with flavor and freshness. With just eight simple ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to share with friends.
Let’s dive into the details of this simple, delicious, and nutritious meal!
Macros (Per Serving)
Chicken Pasta Sauce:
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 6g
Angel Hair Pasta (Optional):
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 1g
Substitute Miracle Noodles for only 45 calories (10g protein per bag).
Green Goddess Side Salad:
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 6g
Total Macros:
- Calories: 531
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 63g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 7g
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 550g chicken breast
- 1 jar Trader Joe’s roasted red pepper & almond pesto sauce
- 200g zucchini, chopped
- 200g yellow squash, chopped
- 30g green onion, chopped
- Fat-free half-and-half (to taste)
For the Side Salad:
- Green Goddess Chopped Kit (Taylor Farms)
- Cilantro Avocado Bolthouse Dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F). Let the chicken rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add chopped zucchini and yellow squash. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Add the chopped green onion and cook for 1–2 additional minutes, stirring to combine. - Prepare the Pasta:
Cook your pasta of choice in a separate pot with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil, following package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Combine the Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the frying pan with the vegetables. Add the jar of roasted red pepper and almond pesto, along with a splash of fat-free half-and-half. Stir everything together and heat through, then remove from heat. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss the contents of the Green Goddess Chopped Kit with Bolthouse Cilantro Avocado Dressing. Mix well to coat evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Divide the pasta into five portions. Top each with the chicken and veggie mixture, and serve alongside the fresh Green Goddess salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This meal is perfect for busy days, meal prep, or when you’re craving something indulgent without straying from your macros. The roasted red pepper pesto sauce adds a bold, smoky flavor, while the zucchini and squash bring in fiber and texture. Paired with the creamy, tangy Green Goddess salad, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between satisfying and healthy.
Let me know if you try it—and don’t forget to tag me on social media! I love seeing your creations.
Stay tuned for more macro-friendly recipes coming your way!
Holly T. Baxter is an Australian Dietitian with over 13 years of experience in health and fitness. She holds a degree in Food Science and Nutrition and a Master of Dietetics from Deakin University. A former professional physique athlete, Holly has two World Championship titles. Her latest project, BiaBody, is dedicated to women’s health and fitness. As an APD Dietitian and Online Physique Coach, she focuses on evidence-based health education and empowering women through fitness.