Cilantro-Serrano Pesto with Grilled Chicken and Penne

Health score
10%
Cilantro-Serrano Pesto with Grilled Chicken and Penne
45 min.
6
211kcal

Suggestions


Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a burst of fresh flavors? Look no further than this delightful Cilantro-Serrano Pesto with Grilled Chicken and Penne! This vibrant dish combines the aromatic essence of fresh cilantro and mint with the spicy kick of serrano chiles, creating a pesto that is both unique and irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 45 minutes—but also packed with nutrition, boasting only 211 calories per serving.

The creamy cotija cheese and toasted pecans add a rich texture, while the juicy grilled chicken and tender penne pasta make this dish hearty and satisfying. With a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, this Cilantro-Serrano Pesto is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So grab your food processor and grill pan, and let’s get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for this deliciously fresh and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

  • 0.1 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • ounces penne pasta hot cooked uncooked
  • 0.5 cup cotija cheese 
  • tablespoons olive oil extravirgin
  • 1.5 cups cilantro leaves fresh
  • 0.5 cup mint leaves fresh
  •  garlic cloves 
  • teaspoon kosher salt 
  • tablespoons pecan halves toasted
  •  serrano chile seeded sliced
  • teaspoons sherry vinegar 
  • 0.8 pound chicken breast boneless skinless

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • grill pan

Directions

  1. Place cilantro and next 6 ingredients (through chile) in a food processor; process until well blended. With processor on, slowly pour oil through food chute; process until well blended.
  2. Place pesto in a large bowl; stir in vinegar and black pepper.
  3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat chicken with cooking spray.
  4. Add chicken to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side or until done.
  5. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Add chicken, pasta, and tomatoes to pesto; toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts

Calories211kcal
Protein29.91%
Fat53.73%
Carbs16.36%

Properties

Glycemic Index
29.92
Glycemic Load
2.26
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
12.849565296069%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.54mg
Delphinidin
0.36mg
Catechin
0.36mg
Epigallocatechin
0.28mg
Epicatechin
0.04mg
Epigallocatechin 3-gallate
0.12mg
Eriodictyol
1.16mg
Hesperetin
0.38mg
Apigenin
0.21mg
Luteolin
0.53mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
2.64mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:210.68kcal
10.53%
Fat:12.68g
19.5%
Saturated Fat:2.98g
18.63%
Carbohydrates:8.68g
2.89%
Net Carbohydrates:7.12g
2.59%
Sugar:1.6g
1.78%
Cholesterol:47.41mg
15.8%
Sodium:604.96mg
26.3%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:15.88g
31.75%
Selenium:24.38µg
34.83%
Vitamin B3:6.55mg
32.74%
Vitamin B6:0.56mg
28.14%
Manganese:0.42mg
21.08%
Phosphorus:203.96mg
20.4%
Vitamin C:15.1mg
18.3%
Vitamin K:17.32µg
16.49%
Vitamin A:754.34IU
15.09%
Vitamin B2:0.2mg
11.82%
Potassium:403.11mg
11.52%
Vitamin B5:1.1mg
10.96%
Calcium:88.7mg
8.87%
Magnesium:34.85mg
8.71%
Vitamin E:1.27mg
8.45%
Copper:0.16mg
7.87%
Vitamin B1:0.12mg
7.84%
Zinc:1.13mg
7.57%
Iron:1.26mg
7.03%
Fiber:1.56g
6.25%
Folate:21.84µg
5.46%
Vitamin B12:0.32µg
5.41%
Source:My Recipes