We like to think that pasta is a staple in every kitchen. It’s so dynamic, you can actually put anything you want. This chicken arugula pasta recipe is a great example.
We’re using cassava pasta because it’s grain, gluten, nut, and dairy-free. It’s also paleo diet-friendly, and we’re all about that life! We prefer using fettucini or spaghetti, which you can buy from stores, for this recipe. Of course, there’s the option of making your own cassava pasta. You can also opt to use any gluten-free pasta of choice.
For the sauce, it’s kind of alfredo-inspired but a healthier version. Hemp milk is an excellent source of healthy fats and has more protein than any other plant-based milk. You’ll notice that there’s no cheese in this chicken arugula pasta because the milk itself tastes nutty and naturally sweet. Every bite of this dish is layered with the flavors of seared chicken, pungent garlic, sweet spring onions, earthy broccoli, and peppered arugula mixed with the creamy sauce. It’s so delicious, you’ll probably have this for dinner even right after you ate it for lunch!
Lemon goes well with arugula, so sprinkle some juice for garnish. Since this is a healthy dish with nutritious ingredients, you have some extra legroom for parmesan cheese. The combination of hemp milk and parmesan is ahhhh-mazing! Use nutritional yeast (not advisable for anti-inflammatory diet) if you want a dairy-free option. Take it up a notch and replace chicken with duck! Searing the duck’s skin will make the pasta even more flavorful. Just keep in mind that duck has more fat than chicken or turkey. Basil will also make the chicken arugula pasta more interesting. But, without all of these suggestions, the pasta is already a star on its own!
Like we’ve said earlier, you can customize your pasta based on what appeals to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your kitchen, your rules! Share your version of this pasta down in the comments below.
Enjoyed making this recipe? We have more! We teamed up with food experts and nutritionists to curate 3 weeks’ worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes for healthy eating. Check out our 21-Day Meal Plan for a Healthy Liver post.
Chicken Arugula Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 8 oz cassava pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 stalks spring onions (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 oz chicken breast (sliced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup hemp milk
- 1 cup broccoli
- 2 handfuls arugula
Instructions
- Cook cassava pasta according to packaging instructions.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil on a skillet and saute spring onions and garlic. Add the chicken. Season with salt.
- Mix tapioca starch and hemp milk. Pour on the skillet. Add broccoli. Toss in the cooked pasta and arugula.
Notes
- Any gluten free pasta can be used for this recipe.
- Arrowroot starch can also be used instead of tapioca starch.
