Pesto Chicken Pasta With Asparagus Recipes

GRILLED CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and put into a large serving bowl.
• While the pasta cooks, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. On a baking sheet lined with foil lay the asparagus out in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat.
• Grill the chicken for approximately 4-6 minutes then flip over and grill another 4-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°-165° F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting it.
• While the chicken cooks place the prepared asparagus onto the grill grates horizontally. Grill for 2 minutes then roll or flip them over with tongs and grill another 1-2 minutes. Cut into approximately 2 inch pieces.
• Add the chopped chicken and asparagus to the bowl with the pasta. Add in the pesto, lemon juice and shredded romano or parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper and toss everything together until coated. Taste for seasoning. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm or cold.

GRILLED CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS PASTA WITH PARSLEY PESTO

Steps:

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

PESTO CHICKEN PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, rinse and drain.
• Steam or microwave asparagus until tender crisp.
• Drain.
• Combine cooked pasta and asparagus in a large bowl.
• Stir in chicken, tomatoes, onion and olives.
• Gently toss with pesto sauce.
• Serve warm, garnished with cheese.
• Refrigerate leftovers.
• They make a great lunch.