Chicken Pesto Pasta

Embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant harmony of flavors with our Chicken Pesto Pasta. This delightful dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, where tender slices of chicken intertwine with al dente rigatoni, all enveloped in the lush embrace of our Perfect Basil Pesto. Each forkful is a revelation of taste, offering the richness of pesto, the heartiness of chicken, and the satisfying comfort of pasta. To elevate this dish to perfection, we crown it with a sprinkle of Perfect Italiano™ Extra Sharp Parmesan and a scattering of fresh basil leaves. Join us in crafting a culinary masterpiece that marries simplicity with elegance.

PREP 10 MINS

COOK 20 MINS

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

For Perfect Basil Pesto:

• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
• 3 cups basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
• 2/3 cup (70g) Perfect Italiano™ Parmesan Grated
• 2/3 cup (165ml) olive oil

For Pasta:

• 375g rigatoni, cooked and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400g chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup Perfect Basil Pesto (recipe below)
• Salt and pepper, to season
• Perfect Italiano™ Extra Sharp Parmesan Grated, to serve
• Fresh basil leaves, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

Perfect Basil Pesto:

1. Start by crafting the heart of this dish, the Perfect Basil Pesto. In a small food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fragrant basil leaves, roughly chopped garlic clove, and the creamy Perfect Italiano™ Parmesan Grated.
2. With a whirl of the processor, the ingredients transform into a vibrant green pesto, alive with the essence of basil and the depth of Parmesan. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil, continuing to process until the mixture is finely chopped and perfectly blended. The result is a pesto that captures the essence of fresh herbs and indulgent cheese.

Chicken Pesto Pasta:

1. In a non-stick fry pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, and let the sizzle and aroma fill the air. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and adorned with a tempting golden hue.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni and the vibrant Perfect Basil Pesto. Add the beautifully cooked chicken, and with a gentle toss, ensure every element is coated in the luscious pesto. Season this symphony of flavors with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, as desired.
3. As you assemble the pasta, let the rich aroma of basil and the irresistible allure of pesto entice your senses. To enhance the experience further, serve the Chicken Pesto Pasta with a generous sprinkle of Perfect Italiano™ Extra Sharp Parmesan, allowing its robust flavor to complement and elevate each bite.
4. Complete this culinary masterpiece by adorning it with fresh basil leaves, a visual reminder of the dish’s herbaceous essence. With each forkful, you’ll experience the delightful balance of flavors and textures that only a well-crafted pasta dish can offer.

TIPS & HINT:

• The Perfect Basil Pesto is a versatile creation that can be stored in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To maintain its vibrant color, ensure that the surface is covered with an additional layer of olive oil. The pesto can be used not only in this dish but also as a delightful addition to various other culinary creations, from sandwiches to salads and beyond. Enjoy the convenience of having this delightful condiment on hand to enhance a multitude of dishes.