Cilantro-Serrano Pesto With Grilled Chicken and Penne

Jun 06, 2023June 6, 20230 2
Cilantro-Serrano Pesto With Grilled Chicken and Penne - a zesty and flavorful pasta dish
in Pasta

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup of fresh mint
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast ( I use the marinated chicken breast )
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt
pepper
6 cups hot cooked penne pasta ( follow directions on package )
2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
440
Sugar
5g
Fat
13g
Cilantro-Serrano Pesto With Grilled Chicken and Penne is a fresh and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The cilantro-serrano pesto adds a zesty twist to classic pesto sauces, and the grilled chicken and cherry tomatoes round out the dish with smoky and sweet flavors. This recipe takes simple ingredients and elevates them with bold flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Instructions

1.Preheat your grill.
2.In a food processor, combine cilantro leaves, mint, parmesan cheese, white balsamic vinegar, and ground black pepper until finely chopped.
3.Drizzle olive oil into the food processor while running until pesto is blended together.
4.Season chicken breast with salt and pepper.
5.Grill chicken breast until cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side.
6.Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin strips.
7.In a large pot, cook the penne according to the directions on the package.
8.Drain the penne and place it back in the pot.
9.Add the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro-serrano pesto to the pot with the penne.
10.Stir until the penne, chicken, and pesto are evenly coated.
11.Serve hot, garnished with remaining grated parmesan cheese.

PROS

This dish is packed with flavor, and the grilled chicken adds a nice smoky taste.

The cilantro-serrano pesto is a unique and zesty twist on classic pesto sauces, and the cherry tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity.

CONS

This recipe requires specific ingredients, so it may be difficult to make if you don’t have access to a well-stocked grocery store or food market.

Additionally, some may find the spice level of the serrano pepper to be too high.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Cilantro is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and potassium, and may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Chicken breast is a lean protein that is low in calories and high in nutrients, and grilling it instead of frying it reduces the amount of added fat.

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