Pesto Presto Chicken Rachael Ray Recipes

PESTO PRESTO CHICKEN (RACHAEL RAY)

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450 degrees.
• In small bowl of a food processor, combine first 6 ingredients, except only use 1/4 cup of the Parmesan.
• Set aside.
• Butterfly the chicken breasts.
• Divide the cheese mixture on the chicken.
• Fold as with a book.
• Place on a non stick baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes.
• Remove from oven and place 3 slices of the tomatoes on each breast.
• Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
• Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes.

TRUE LIGURIAN PESTO WITH SPAGHETTI

Steps:

• Bring a pot of water to boil, season it liberally with sea salt. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Add the basil to the boiling water for 30 seconds or so and transfer to the ice bath. Drain and dry the basil in a salad spinner or on clean kitchen towels.
• Place the EVOO in the food processor and add the basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino-Romano, pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic and some salt and pepper. Pulse process into a fine sauce. Store in an airtight container. Freeze or refrigerate to store for a make-ahead meal. Bring to room temperature to prepare.
• To serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt the water and cook the pasta to al dente. Reserve a cup of the salty cooking water just before draining the pasta.
• Place the pesto in serving bowl. Add the starchy water and stir to combine, then add the pasta and toss 1 to 2 minutes to coat evenly. Adjust the seasoning and serve.

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH ARUGULA PESTO

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan to high.
• Toast the nuts lightly in small skillet over low heat, then add them to a food processor.
• Add the arugula, basil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper, to taste, and pulse to combine.
• With the processor on, stream in the extra-virgin olive oil to form thick pesto.
• Lightly pound out the chicken, then rub all sides with the pesto. Spray the grill pan with cooking spray or rub with a little oil and grill the chicken 2 to 4 minutes on each side.
• Cook's Note: Serve sliced on top of Caesar Spaghetti or, pile it onto ciabatta bread with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella for an outta-sight sammy.