Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus & Arugula
This Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus & Arugula provides 46g protein and 1215 calories per 2-serving portion—a substantial dinner that covers nearly half your daily protein in one meal. Quick stovetop execution keeps prep under 30 minutes for on-demand cooking or batch work. Designed for bodybuilders and strength athletes requiring 4000+ daily calories.
Ingredients
- •Pasta, Campanelle, White, Dry(454g)
- •Tomatoes, Sun-Dried, Packed In Oil(30g)
- •Asparagus
- •Chicken Breast, Grilled
Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.
- •Basil Pesto, Prepared(120g)
- •Arugula(720g)
- •Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.
Instructions
- 1Bring a large pot three-fourths full of generously-salted water to a boil. Then add the pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
- 2Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. of the oil from the jar of sundried tomatoes (or you can use plain olive oil) over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the asparagus and sprinkle with freshly-ground black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Then add in the (now drained) sundried tomatoes, and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until asparagus are done. Then remove from heat.
- 3When pasta is done, drain the excess water from the pot. Then add in the asparagus/tomatoes, pesto, chicken, arugula, and pesto, and toss until well-combined. Sprinkle with shaved or grated Parmesan.
- 4Either serve warm, or refrigerate and serve cold.
Nutrition — Per Serving
1215
calories
46g
protein
30g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 192g
- Saturated fat
- 5.5g
- Sodium
- 513 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 15.0g
2 servings per batch · ~662g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
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How much protein does Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus & Arugula have per serving?
Each serving contains 46g of protein and 1215 calories, with 30g fat and 192g carbs. This is a high-calorie, high-carb meal designed for post-workout nutrition or high-volume training days.
How long does Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus & Arugula take to prep?
Quick prep time on the stovetop with 2 servings per batch means you're making a couple of full meals at a time. Each serving is a complete dinner portion ready to eat or reheat.
Is Pesto Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus & Arugula good for muscle gain?
At 1215 calories, 46g protein, and 192g carbs per serving, this pasta is built for muscle gain phases when you need significant caloric surplus and carbs to support heavy training volume. Time this around your workout window to leverage the carbohydrate timing for maximum performance.
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