Creamy Pesto Chicken and Linguine

Easy to make, this chicken is wonderfully tasty and rich. Not for those watching your fat intake, but hey... splurging every now and then isn't a bad idea. ;)

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb  spinach linguine or 1  lb  regular linguine
• 4  boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1  teaspoon olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup butter, divided
• 3  cloves garlic, minced
• 1  whole shallot, minced
• 1  cup  sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2  tablespoons  chopped sun-dried tomatoes, reconstituted in warm water (measurement before reconstituting)
• 2  cups half-and-half
• 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper, to taste
• 1  cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 cup pesto sauce
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup romano cheese or 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup  extra parmesan cheese, grated,for garnish
•  fresh ground black pepper, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook linguini according to package directions.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides until nicely golden and juices run clear, about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
5. Remove from pan and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; set aside.
6. Pour out drippings from pan, but do not wipe it out.
7. In the pan you cooked the chicken in, melt remaining butter over medium heat.
8. Toss in the minced garlic, shallot, mushrooms, and reconstituted sundried tomatoes and sauté for 5 minutes, then stir in half and half and season with pepper.
9. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Stir the Parmesan into the creamy mixture, stirring until well mixed.
11. Stir in the pesto, and cook for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
12. Stir in the chicken cubes and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
13. Re-heat the linguini (either in boiling water or microwave) and serve chicken and sauce over the hot pasta.
14. Garnish with grated Romano and freshly ground black pepper.
15. Makes 4 to 6 servings.