The avocado in this Avocado Penne Pesto with Grilled Chicken brings a creaminess and delicious flavor to the sauce. It may almost be better than traditional pesto!
Avocado Penne Pesto with Grilled Chicken
The avocado in this Avocado Penne Pesto with Grilled Chicken brings a creaminess and delicious flavor to the sauce. It may almost be better than traditional pesto!
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 3/4 c. firmly packed basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp. pine nuts
- 1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz. penne pasta
- 1/4 c. shaved parmesan cheese (for garish)
- 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts
- Salt & Pepper, to taste (for chicken)
Instructions
- Cook and drain pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, season chicken with salt and pepper and place on a grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat for 6 minutes on each side, until center is no longer pink. You can add other spices if you want, but don’t over-season your chicken, we want the avocado to shine!
- Peel avocado and remove pit. Put avocado, basil, salt, pepper, garlic and pine nuts in a blender or food processor. Turn blender on and add olive oil in a slow, steady stream.
- Process until mixture becomes a smooth paste. Gently fold in parmesan cheese. Toss with cooked pasta. Slice grilled chicken breasts and lay across top of pasta. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and serve.
Recipe and Photo: Gourmet Mom on the Go / CC BY
