Golden Tuscan Sunset Pasta with Herbed Chicken & Rosemary-Infused Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 medium Zucchini
• 0.5 medium Red Bell Pepper
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 6 oz Lean Ground Chicken Breast
• 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
• 0.25 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Roasted Red Bell Pepper
• 0.25 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Vegetable Broth
• 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• 1 clove Garlic
• 0.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• 4 oz Whole-Wheat Penne or Rotini
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil Leaves
• 1 tbsp Toasted Pine Nuts or Chopped Walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. While vegetables roast, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole-wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
3. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic (for chicken) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground chicken, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Break up the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. In a blender, combine the drained roasted red bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, 1 clove garlic (for sauce), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Add the cooked herbed chicken, roasted vegetables, and the Golden Tuscan Sauce to the skillet with the chicken (or a large serving bowl). Add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Divide the pasta between two bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and optional toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)