Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli proves that eating for your brain does not mean giving up the foods you love. This dish brings together the comfort of creamy pesto pasta with the nutritional benefits of whole-grain noodles, cruciferous broccoli, and lean chicken. The basil in pesto is packed with antioxidants, and paired with fiber-rich pasta and vitamin-loaded broccoli, you get a meal as nourishing as it is delicious.
Prep time: 10-12 min
Ingredients (serves 1)
1 cup cooked whole-grain or chickpea-based protein pasta
1 cup frozen broccoli
2 Tbsp. jarred pesto
1/2 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
Instructions
1. Steam broccoli,
2. Mix everything together.
3. Microwave 30 seconds more to warm.
Creamy, garlicky, and filling — like comfort food but lighter!
Cooking Tips
- Protein pasta (like chickpea-based pasta) nearly doubles the protein compared to regular pasta.
- Save a splash of pasta water — stirring it into the pesto creates a silkier sauce.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor depth.
- This recipe doubles easily for meal prep and reheats well for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Total fat: 18g | Sodium: 520mg | Total Carbohydrate: 40g | Dietary Fiber: 7g | Protein: 32g
* Approximate values. Actual nutrition may vary by brand and serving size.
MIND Diet Highlight: Whole grains like whole-wheat or protein-enriched pasta are a MIND diet cornerstone — aim for at least 3 servings per day to support sustained brain energy.
