Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta with Parsley Pesto

Submitted by MMers

"Using fresh, homemade pesto for this dish really gives it great flavor. Grilling the asparagus also adds a flavor boost!"

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• Pesto

• 1 cup packed fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 2⁄3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Pasta

• 1 lb asparagus
• 3 cups penne pasta
• 1 sweet red pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1⁄2 cup sun-dried tomato packed in oil, drained and cut into small pieces
• 2 boneless chicken breasts

directions

1. For Pesto: Place all ingredients into a food processor and combine thoroughly.
2. Set aside.
3. (Pesto may be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and stir before using).
4. Grill chicken breasts on barbecue until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Slice and set aside.
6. Meanwhile, cook penne in a large pot of water until tender but firm, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Drain well.
8. Break off tough ends of asparagus.
9. Leaving whole, grill spears on barbecue when chicken breasts are almost done, about 5 minutes.
10. Remove and cut into 2 inch pieces.
11. In a large bowl, toss together pasta, chicken, asparagus, red pepper strips and sun-dried tomatoes.
12. Gently stir in pesto and serve immediately.

Reviews

[JustJanS]

This was nice, but we like our pasta dishes moist. It had plenty of flavour, so I think it could cope with the addition of half a cup of white wine and half a cup of cream. This would make a great recipe for us then.