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.

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.

COLORFUL CHICKEN PESTO WITH ASPARAGUS, SUN DRIED TOMATOES AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in the angel hair pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir chicken strips until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Pour reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet; cook and stir asparagus in the oil until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add yellow and red bell pepper strips; cook and stir an additional 2 minutes.
• Lightly toss the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta into the skillet with chicken and vegetables; stir in pesto sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and 2 teaspoons of Parmesan cheese to serve.