Pesto Chicken Pasta With Roast Tomatoes
For the longest time making my own pesto really intimidated me. But I finally took the leap and I am never going back to store bought! Making your own pesto is so simple, easy and the taste is not even comparable to the store jars.
I feel that pasta dishes are such a nostalgic and comforting meal and as someone who lives in a state with 7 month long winters… it’s a MUST in my house.
Let’s begin!
Ingredients
6 oz pasta noodles
8 oz chicken breast
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 cup fresh basil
1 cup spinach
2 peeled garlic cloves
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1 oz mozzarella pearls (optional)
1 tsp salt (could need more depending on the olive oil you use)
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 F for two reasons.
a) roast your pine nuts for 5 minutes
b) roast your cherry tomatoes for 25 minutes.
Now onto my favorite part… the pesto.
Place your toasted pine nuts in a Vitamix or food processor with the grated parmesan, garlic, salt, and blend. Next, add your basil and spinach. While the blender is running add your oil slowly and gradually as this is what creates your emulsion. Do not over-blend or this will bruise your greens and turn your pesto dark. So once everything is fully mixed and emulsified, stop, adjust the seasoning, and transfer to an airtight sealed container.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil for your pasta and cook according to the package directions as it can be different per shape and pasta choice! While the pasta water is heating up, place a frying pan on medium high heat. Lightly coat the pan with olive oil and dress your chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook chicken evenly on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (approximately 4-5 minutes each side). Remove from pan.
In a medium bowl add your cooked pasta, chicken, and your desired amount of pesto. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated in the pesto. Place your mix into your dinner bowls, top with roasted tomatoes, mozzarella pears, and additional parmesan (optional).
Enjoy!
~Muscle Missy