Kittencals Perfect Pesto Recipes

KITTENCAL'S PERFECT PESTO

Steps:

• Combine the basil, olive oil, pine nuts and garlic cloves in a blender (or food processor).
• Blend until a paste form, stopping often to push down the basil.
• Add in the Parmesan cheese and Kosher salt; blend until smooth.
• Transfer to a bowl.
• NOTE to clean fresh basil leaves; swirl in a bowl of water then spin them very dry in a salad spinner.
• If not using right away store the clean leaves in a sealed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel, the leaves should keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.

CHICKEN PESTO PARMESAN (NON-BREADED)

Steps:

• Spoon a little tomato sauce in a baking pan to cover the bottom and lay chicken breasts on top. Add more sauce around (but not on top of) breasts as desired, but only enough to come a little way up the sides of the chicken - make sure the top is uncovered!.
• Divide and spread pesto on each chicken breast, adjusting the quantity depending on how much you like pesto - I use a lot!
• Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until chicken is done (juices run clear). The exact amount of time will vary depending on the size/thickness of your chicken, so you have to watch them (I recommend a meat thermometer).
• About 5-10 minutes before chicken is done, top each breast with shredded cheese.
• Serve chicken breasts with or without pasta, spooning sauce from the pan around or on top of chicken.

KITTENCAL'S PESTO BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• Prepare a large baking sheet.
• Slice the bread to desired size slices.
• Spread a thin layer of prepared pesto onto each slice.
• Top with chopped tomatoes then 1-2 slices of mozzarella cheese.
• Place onto baking sheet in one layer.
• Broil for about 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Delicious!