I hope you all were able to get out and enjoy a nice run yesterday! In honor of National Running Day, I wanted to pop in to share one of my favorite recovery recipes with you all. A big thanks to my friends at the Cherry Marketing Institute for sponsoring this post!
This Chicken Pasta with Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onions and Tart Cherries is perfect for fueling muscles post workout. The balance of protein, carbs, and anti-inflammatory foods in this recipe is one to keep on hand after a tough sweat session or to fuel up for a race day.
While carbs and protein are necessary to get right after working out, don’t forget about foods that fight inflammation to prevent muscle soreness and speed recovery. This is one reason why I incorporate Montmorency tart cherries into my diet, since they help to reduce strength loss and aid recovery after exercise.
Boosting antioxidant intake before and after exercise should be a focus for every athlete and fitness enthusiast. Not only is it healthy to eat an antioxidant rich diet, but it can also improve performance so that you’re not super sore for days and can get back out there push another hard effort. Tart cherries contain natural anthocyanins that can assist with fighting inflammation and reducing muscle damage = less achy muscle feeling.
Another reason I like this pasta is you can easily make it in advance and eat off of it all week—hot or cold. Although warm is my preference, it’s tasty chilled or room temperature too.
Okay y’all, so let’s talk flavor explosion in your mouth. Something about roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions and plump tart cherries in one bite… ohhhh they make the perfect pairing.
Ohhhmygoshhhhh!! Let me tell you this one is a job hazard because as I was taking photos for this recipe, I couldn’t stop nibbling on the props, so then I’d have to replenish the bowl to make it look pretty again. It’s that yummy. Go make it now.
PrintChicken Pasta with Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onions, and Tart Cherries
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
This Chicken Pasta with Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onions and Tart Cherries is perfect for fueling muscles post workout. The balance of protein, carbs, and anti-inflammatory foods in this recipe is one to keep on hand after a tough sweat session or to fuel up for a race day.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
- 12 ounces whole grain Fuseli pasta
- ½ red onion, diced
- 12 ounces pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- ½ cup dried tart cherries
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup shredded 3-Cheese Parmesan Blend
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange butternut squash on baking sheet. Drizzle squash with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in oven for 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions in pot of salted water. Rinse and drain cooked pasta with cold water.
- In skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until begins to char and form bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Add in chicken sausage and stir with onions to enhance flavor. Stir in tart cherries with apple cider vinegar to deglaze pan and add moisture to cherries.
- Stir in broccoli and continue to cook until broccoli is bright green in color; remove from heat.
- In large bowl, combine pasta with sausage mixture, roasted butternut squash, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top pasta with Parmesan cheese blend.
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!
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Its look yummy. I’m definitely going to have to try it . Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Hi! I am just letting you know I included this awesome recipe in one of my blog posts with a link to your page. Here is the post if you want to check it out! Thanks!
https://thesimplysereneblog.com/2017/12/01/best-foods-for-before-and-after-exercise/
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Thanks so much for including me!
This sounds really delicious and something new to try. Thank you for sharing this.
Simon
You’re welcome! Hope you like it.
This sounds like a wonderful pasta salad combo! YUM!
Flavor explosion indeed! This is one fabulous looking bowl of pasta 🙂 I’ve been loving the bean based pastas lately, which would be delicious w/ all the rest of your yummy ingredients!
Fantastic combination, and not one I would’ve readily thought of! Fresh cherries are arriving in our markets — thinking of swapping those in for the dried. Hopefully just as delicious! Thanks, Kristina!
Pinning this one so I have on hand when I get my box of dried cherries at the National Cherry Festival in July!!! I love that this meal has everything in one bowl: protein, veg, carbs, and minimal sauce. Any chance baby boy is having something to do with the delicious recipe development?!
Haha– baby boy has started making it easier for me to cook that’s for sure. I’m feeling more inspired again 🙂
Sounds good. What brand/flavor of chicken sausage do you use?
In this recipe I used a sweeter chicken sausage– apple, spinach, feta. I believe it was Publix store brand. Applegate Farms and Al fresco have something similar.