Description
A vibrant homemade pesto coats tender chicken pieces, which are tossed with macaroni and a rich, roasted red pepper and tomato sauce. This is a comforting pasta dish with layers of fresh flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 500g (17 oz or 1 lb) macaroni
- water to boil macaroni
- salt
- handful of fresh herbs (mint,basil and parsley)
- 3 tablespoons (44ml) almonds
- 3 tablespoons (44ml) grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) crushed garlic
- 1/2 cup (118ml) olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (59ml) butter
- 4 chicken breast fillets (flattened and cut into pieces)
- salt and black pepper to season
- 1 large red pepper
- 4 ripe tomatoes (blanched and chopped)
- 2 birds eye chili - finely chopped
- parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package directions, or until al dente.
- While the macaroni is cooking, place the herbs (mint, basil, and parsley), almonds, parmesan, and garlic in a pestle and mortar and grind until you have a paste. Add olive oil to smooth it out. Set aside.
- Next, heat the butter in a saucepan and brown the chicken breast fillets until done. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a mixing bowl and cover with fresh pesto. Set aside.
- Next, cut the red pepper into pieces and grill in the oven until roasted.
- Transfer the roasted peppers and blanched tomatoes with the chili in a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes. Blend in a food processor until smooth.
- Combine the macaroni with pesto chicken and smother in red pepper and tomato sauce.
- Serve with grated parmesan.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Use any combination of herbs you prefer for the pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg