Lunch: Pasta with Chicken, Vegetables & Spinach Pesto

Recipe by Woman's Day Kitchen Serve this almost no-cook dish in spring or summer—it's chockful of fresh flavors, with grape tomatoes and red onion tossed with a verdant lemon-flecked spinach pesto.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon, Spinach

Health benefits of Pasta with Chicken, Vegetables & Spinach Pesto

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

1 lb. pasta
2 tbsp. roasted almonds
1 small clove garlic
1 tsp. lemon zest
4 oz. baby spinach (about 4 cups)
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. grated pecorino or Parmesan
Kosher salt and pepper
1 pt. grape tomatoes
1 1/2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 small red onion

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse the almonds, garlic and lemon zest until finely chopped. Add the spinach, oil, pecorino and 1/8 tsp each salt and pepper. Purée until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Toss the pasta with the pesto, adding some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry.
Add the tomatoes, chicken and onion to the pasta and toss to combine.

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