summer pesto pasta with chicken

Jamie Nakasone
May 19, 2023
food

I’m a shameless fan of pesto. My uncle is a vegetarian and when I was younger, he would always make “green spaghetti” (pesto with spaghetti noodles) when he would visit. Since then I’ve been addicted to its smell, taste, and deliciousness.

I whipped up this quick summer pasta for dinner the other night and it’s the perfect dish for busy couples. You can also eat it hot or cold – perfect for a summer potluck!

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • Nonstick spray
  • 2 Tbsp.milk
  • 1 box (16 oz.) of Farfalle pasta or bow tie noodles
  • 1 cup pesto – homemade or store bought.
  • Grape tomatoes (halved)

Top left corner: 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved and 1 cup pesto. Bottom right corner: cooked Farfalle pasta tossed with grilled chicken.

Instructions
Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Grill chicken in a frying pan for 7-8 minutes or until fully cooked.

Spray a pan with non-stick spray and cook on each side for 7 to 8 minutes on medium heat. Remove chicken from pan and let it rest on a plate. Bring water for pasta to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to directions. Drain pasta when al dente (cooked, but still a little firm). Add pasta to a large mixing bowl. To avoid pasta sticking together, toss with milk. Add 1 cup of pesto and toss. Cut chicken into strips and toss with pasta. Add tomatoes.

What’s your favorite summer recipe to whip up for dinner or a party?

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