Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Delightful Combination of Fresh Flavors
Guide or Summary：Grilled ChickenPestoPastaGrilled Chicken Pesto Pasta RecipeGrilled ChickenGrilled chicken is a versatile protein that can be incorporated i……
Guide or Summary：
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a versatile protein that can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. When paired with fresh pesto and pasta, it creates a delightful combination of flavors that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. This recipe for grilled chicken pesto pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Pesto
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It has a rich, creamy texture and a bold, herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken. This recipe calls for a homemade pesto sauce, which is easy to prepare and can be made in advance for convenience.
Pasta
The pasta in this recipe is cooked al dente, which means it is cooked until it is firm to the bite. This ensures that the pasta retains its texture and doesn't become mushy when tossed with the pesto sauce and grilled chicken. The choice of pasta is up to you, but I recommend using a type of pasta that has a good surface area, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and brush them with olive oil.
2. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined and has a smooth texture.
4. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
5. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the reserved pasta cooking water and a splash of lemon juice. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the skillet with the pasta and toss everything together until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the pesto sauce.
7. Serve the grilled chicken pesto pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
This grilled chicken pesto pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh flavors and tender grilled chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious grilled chicken pesto pasta can be? Your taste buds will thank you!