Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Chicken:**
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

**For the Pasta:**
– 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (e.g., fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

**For the Pesto Sauce:**
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

**Instructions:**

1. **Grill the Chicken:**
– Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
– Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
– Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

2. **Cook the Pasta:**
– While the chicken is grilling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. **Prepare the Pesto Sauce:**
– In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
– With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

4. **Toast the Pine Nuts:**
– In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. **Assemble the Dish:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Toss until everything is well coated with the pesto.
– Serve the pasta on plates, topped with the toasted pine nuts and garnished with fresh basil leaves.

This pesto pasta with grilled chicken and cherry tomatoes is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Enjoy your meal!