Sunday, August 8, 2010

Lemon and Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Lemon Basil Chicken and Pasta

Summertime is the time to make simple, light meals made from fresh ingredients - perfect for eating outside on the patio when the hot days are just beginning to cool a bit.


This recipe uses fresh basil and has bright notes of freshly squeezed lemon. It's a dish the entire family will love!

Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Basil Pasta
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Serves 6

For the grilled chicken:
6 Chicken cutlets pounded to an even thickness or
about 12 chicken tenderloins - make more and use the leftovers to put over salad the next day
1/3 cup olive oil
Juice of four lemons
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
A tiny bit of honey
A dash of salt

Marinate the chicken for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge. Cook over a hot grill and keep warm until the pasta is ready.

For the pasta:

1 pound Penne Pasta or Linguine, Cooked Until Al Dente
6 Tablespoons Butter
3-4 whole Lemons, Juiced
1 cup Heavy Cream
¼ cup Half-and-half
1-½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano)
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
20 whole Basil Leaves, Chopped

Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of hot pasta water when you drain. Set pasta aside in a colander.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice of 3 to 4 lemons. Whisk together. Pour in cream and half-and-half. Whisk together and simmer until it starts to thicken. Add the cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper. Check consistency, adding some of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Pour pasta and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle basil all over the top, then add sliced chicken breasts. Serve immediately.

6 comments:

  1. I love the lemon in the pasta.....never thought to use it.......beautiful dish!

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  2. I changed the PW recipe up and made it a creamy chicken picatta dish -it was wonderful. Your dish looks great!

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  3. Your photo makes me hungry already. I simply believe the lemon and basil bring the best flavor out of this elegant dish..

    Sawadee from bangkok,
    Kris

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  4. This looks amazing. I'm definitely trying this one, I just need to remeber to plan it a day in advance!

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  5. this looks PERFECT for summer! Can't wait to try it! THanks.

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  6. Yep! I'm trying it too! Thanks for sharing!!

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