Pesto Penne with Grilled Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Yield: 6 servings
Cook Time: 11 minutes (if cooking chicken and pasta at the same time)
Tips: If desired, 2/3 cup of lightly toasted walnuts can be tossed into the pasta mixture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- salt and pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Directions
Place basil leaves and garlic in a food processor or blender and process until a coarse paste forms (about 10-15 seconds). With the machine still running, drizzle in olive oil through the top
opening until a smooth paste has formed, Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in Parmesan cheese, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat grill to medium. (Note: If using an indoor grill with top and bottom grill grates, preheat both.) Once preheated, coat the grill(s) lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper to taste, then place on grill. Grill for about 5 minutes per side or until done. (Note: For grills with a closeable top, close and cook for a total of about 5 minutes or until done).
While chicken is grilling, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Cut grilled chicken into bite-size pieces and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
In a large bowl, combine cooked penne pasta, homemade pesto, chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss until evenly coated. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Preheat grill to medium. (Note: If using an indoor grill with top and bottom grill grates, preheat both.) Once preheated, coat the grill(s) lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper to taste, then place on grill. Grill for about 5 minutes per side or until done. (Note: For grills with a closeable top, close and cook for a total of about 5 minutes or until done).
While chicken is grilling, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Cut grilled chicken into bite-size pieces and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
In a large bowl, combine cooked penne pasta, homemade pesto, chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss until evenly coated. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.