So it's Date Night Dinner. I was in the mood for Pesto. Normally eating pasta/carbs in the evening is not what the hubby and I do, however it's Pesto! Homemade Pesto mind you! The recipe I have chosen for the night is under 500 cals (416 to be more precise) with 32 gr. carbs . Of course, it is all about portion control with a dinner like this, but with regular workouts and exercise, then why not?
Linguine with Pesto, Chicken and Spring Veggies...
This is for 4 servings, so we had leftovers.
6 ounces whole-wheat linguine
3 tbls olive oil
1 clove garlic
pinch of sea salt
1 1/2 cups fresh basil
1/2 cup shredded parm cheese
2 tbls water
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 pound boneless-skinless chicken breast
cut these into 1 inch pieces
fresh pepper to taste
1/4 med onion
1 cup jarred artichoke hearts (drain them)
1/3 cup white wine
6 ounces asparagus
cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2/3 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon
Okay, so like with most recipes...we modify, or change it up...for example I had cooked chicken breast leftover on the fridge so added that. I am not an asparagus fan, so ixnay on the "gus" and give or take on the other ingredients. As always, sodium count...it will be in the parm cheese, and the pasta already, so the sprinkle of sea salt is just for the heck of it and good luck over the shoulder. Everything goes right into the blender. Just easier and it will all end up in the same place anyway.
Cook the pasta, drain and set aside. Cook your chicken, set aside. Heat pan with with olive oil and cook onion until softened, add artichoke hearts and cook until slightly broken down, stir in the wine. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender. Add everything together and mix then add pasta fold together and serve.
You don't need a side dish with this dinner. Make yourself a pitcher of ice water, with the leftover lemon wedges and ice. And there you have it, Date Night Dinner. This was a good one with some candles lit and sitting on the couch catching up on the DVR!
