Chicken Cavatappi with Chef John’s Almond-Arugula Pesto

Name: Chicken Cavatappi with Chef John’s Almond-Arugula Pesto
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup packed fresh arugula or spinach; 1/3 cup raw almonds; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic; 1/2 tsp. salt; 8 oz. cavatappi; 2 cups fresh sugar snap pea pods, halved on the bias (8 oz.); 11/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 1/8 tsp. black pepper; 1/2 cup radishes, halved and thinly sliced; Lemon wedges, for serving

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Chef John uses almonds and arugula in his crisp, fragrant homemade pesto, but you can experiment with any nuts and greens you have on hand.

By Chef John

Published on March 9, 2023

Cavatappi with chicken and vegetables and bread and lemon wedges

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

4

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed fresh arugula spinach
1/3 cup raw almonds
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
8 ounces cavatappi
2 cups fresh sugar snap pea pods, halved on the bias
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup radishes, halved and thinly sliced
lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Bring a small saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add arugula and cook until bright green, about 30 seconds. Transfer arugula to a bowl of ice water; let cool 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
For pesto, pulse arugula, almonds, oil, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a mini blender or food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until a coarse purée forms.
Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi and cook until al dente according to package directions, 9 to 11 minutes. Add pea pods during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and pea pods.
Return to saucepan and toss with pesto and chicken. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with radishes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

495	Calories
26g	Fat
48g	Carbs
26g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 495
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g	33%
Saturated Fat 4g	18%
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 359mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate 48g	17%
Dietary Fiber 10g	36%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 26g
Vitamin C 140mg	698%
Calcium 151mg	12%
Iron 5mg	27%
Potassium 836mg	18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.