How to Make Walnut Pesto Chicken, Veggies, and Pasta
Hello, June here! I am so pleased to introduce Edlyn Wong as a guest writer on my Stir and Style blog to share recipes with you. As we prepare for the twins’ arrival, deciding what to eat for meals is often where we get stuck and our meals often get repetitive, so Edlyn has been helping us meal plan by coming up with delicious unique recipes that we can cook at home. Having options for dinner with a recipe handy has been so helpful with our schedule and we want to share that convenience with you - no more wondering what to make for dinner. We are so excited to share Edlyn’s recipes that both Dan and I (and the twins) have been enjoying so much!
Take it away, Edlyn!
Hi everyone, this is Edlyn! As a short introduction, here are 3 fun, random facts about me! When I was 10 years old, I went on a family trip to China and got to hold a real-life baby panda 🐼. I’m fun-sized 🤏🏼💁🏻 standing at 5’1, but have always loved my height. So far, I’ve been to 9 countries and 11 out of the 50 United States 🌎. It’s so great to meet you all! I would love to know where you’ve traveled to, or where you’d like to travel to. But that’s enough about me for the day, let’s jump into the recipe!
This homemade pesto has the all the flavors of the classic traditional basil pesto- the freshness from the herbs, garlicky, cheesy, but with a nutty twist! The secret…? Toasted walnuts!
The extra component of walnuts not only adds some nuttiness to the flavor profile, but it also adds a creamier texture. Since June is pregnant, I tried to incorporate a tasty, but also balanced meal for her and Dan, and the babies! I found out (through the wonderful world of the internet), a couple fun facts about the consumption of walnuts during pregnancy.
*Disclaimer: Neither June or myself are doctors so make sure to consult with your trusted doctor. Every body is different, and every pregnancy is different.
Walnuts contain omega 3 which is excellent for the babies’ brain development. The essential fatty acids are useful in growth of babies’ bones and teeth
Copper is present in walnuts which is great for the growth of babies’ bodies. Copper is also an essential mineral in forming red blood cells. During pregnancy, mamas need double the amount of red blood cells!
Contains Vitamin E - an important role in the development of babies’ lungs
The best part about pesto is that it goes well with most vegetables and protein. It’s so versatile! Today, we’re showing you how to make Walnut Pesto Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Pasta.
What You’ll Need:
Walnut Pesto
¾ cup raw walnuts
½ cup olive oil
1½ cup basil, packed
¼ cup parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
Juice of half a lemon
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 chicken breasts
1 cup mushrooms, halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 zucchini, halved and cut thick slices
pasta of your choice
crushed red pepper flakes
How to Cook It:
Preheat oven oven to 400 F.
Cook your pasta according to packaged instruction.
Toast the walnuts in a small pan on low heat with no butter or oil, until fragrant & toasty, about 3-5 min.
In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients for the pesto and pulse until it comes together with a smooth consistency.
Add chicken and mushrooms to large sheet pan and toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tbsp of pesto. Bake in oven for 15 min. Remove from oven and drain excess liquid.
Add the remaining vegetables and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from oven.
Mix your pasta with the rest of the pesto sauce.
I like to top mine with crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of spice and extra grated cheese. Enjoy!
Written by Edlyn Wong