Easy midweek meal- Chicken pesto lentil pasta

I threw this meal together the other night and it was such a hit with the family I thought it was worth sharing. I'm always encouraging my clients (and myself) to eat more culinary herbs. They are so delicious and pack a nutritional punch like no other. Pesto is a great way to get them in, especially if you make it yourself. Sounds tricky, but I literally had this meal on the table in 15 minutes. It's also high in protein and tastes good cold the next day for lunches.

The below recipe will feed 4 but if you've got teenages I'd probably double it!

Pesto:

1 bunch basil

Handful baby spinach

1/2 cup grated parmesan (buy as a block and grate yourself if you can)

1/2 cup pepitas

100ml extra virgin olive oil

Chicken pasta:

1 box red lentil pasta

1 diced chicken thigh per person, I used 4

1/2 leak or 1 small onion

1 big bunch of asparagus (or any vegies you like really!)

Method:

1. Place a saucepan on the stove with water and bring to the boil for the pasta.

2. Place all the pesto ingredients in a blender and blend to combine. Add more olive oil if needed.

3. Pop your pasta on and cook the chicken while it boils.

4. In a frypan, cook your chicken and asparagus in a little olive oil and garlic with onion if you like.

5. Strain the pasta and stir it all together!

6. I served mine with crumbled feta on top.

   
   
   
   

#easymidweekmeal #healthydinner #pesto #proteinrichmeal #lentilpasta #familymeal