Chicken Pesto Pasta

Ingredienti

• 4 packed cups fresh basil leaves (100 g)
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• the zest of one small lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup toasted pine nuts, cooled
• pinch red chili flakes
• 1 cup good quality olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp mixed herbs, oregano or thyme
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 250 grams pasta of choice, I used whole wheat fusilli ((about 1/2 box or 8 ounces))
• handful fresh parmesan cheese
• handful fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

Preparazione

1. 1

   --- For the pesto sauce: ---

2. 2

   In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients from the basil leaves through to the red chili flakes (everything except the olive oil).

3. 3

   Blend to combine until basil is chopped up. Then, drizzle in the olive oil while blending until all the olive oil is added and a paste with some texture forms. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

4. 4

   --- For the chicken: ---

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 220 C (425 F). Flatten the chicken breasts slightly by pounding them with a rolling pin until the whole breast is of the same thickness.

6. 6

   In a small bow, mix together all the dry ingredients, mustard, and olive oil until a paste forms.

7. 7

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place chicken breasts on parchment paper, and spread the spice and oil paste evenly all over the chicken breasts, bottom and top.

8. 8

   Bake the chicken for 18-20 minutes, until cooked through. For the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, if chicken hasn't browned, use the broil function of your oven to give it a touch of color. Watch carefully!

9. 9

   Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice it up to top the pasta with.

10. 10

    --- For the pasta and assembling: ---

11. 11

    Cook the pasta according to package instructions and then drain, reserving a little of the pasta water.

12. 12

    Toss the pasta thoroughly with 1/2 cup prepared pesto, and add a little of the reserved pasta water to make it more saucy. Top with the grilled chicken, extra parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts, plus fresh basil if desired.