Chicken Quinoa Pasta In Basil Pesto Sauce

Chicken Quinoa Pasta In Basil Pesto Sauce

Quinoa is the go to cereal now for most people on a weight loss or gluten free diet. Gradually, over the years, it has become a familiar food grain. The health conscious and fitness freaks have suddenly woken up to its health benefits. I have used quinoa to make puddings, cakes, stir-fry and lasagne too. And then I discovered quinoa pasta

Ingredients

Quinoa pasta (raw) – ½ cup

Chicken (boneless) – 150 gms

Spring onions – 2 bunches (small)

Capsicum (big) – 1

Basil sauce – 1/2 cup

Salt – to taste

Olive oil – ½ tsp

Method

Add salt and lemon juice to the chicken pieces and microwave it for 8 to 10 mins till cooked

Cool and cut intp long slices

Chop the vegetables

Cook the pasta in hot water for 5 to 10 mins till done but still firm

Drain and keep aside

Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan

Add the vegetables

Stir fry for 5 mins

Add pesto sauce

Add more or less according to your taste

Add the chicken pieces

Mix well

Add pasta and mix carefully

Basil Pesto Sauce

Ingredients

Basil leaves (fresh) – 1 cup

Parmesan cheese (grated ) – ¼ cup

Extra virgin Olive oil –  ¼ cup

Pine nuts or chopped walnuts – 1/3 cup

Garlic cloves (minced) - 3

Black pepper (freshly ground) - to taste

Salt - to taste

Method

Place the basil leaves and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse several times

Add the garlic and cheese and pulse several times more

Add olive oil slowly, while the processor is running

Occasionally, scrape down the sides of the food processor

Add salt and black pepper to taste

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Good vegetarian protein source

Gluten free

Good fibre content

Has heart healthy fats

Rich in antioxidants

Good source of vitamins, magnesium and iron

Helps in weight loss

Health Benefits of Basil

Contains antioxidants

Acts as anti-Inflammatory

Anti-bacterial properties

Fights stress and depression

Promotes Cardiovascular health