basil parmesan chicken and pasta

 

 

This is a pasta dish I created that my husband loves.  And, because it's fast and easy, it's often a dish we make for company as well. It looks and tastes so much fancier than it is...huge win!  We like it best with tortellini, although I have made it with just about every type of pasta.

 

It does call for wine, but let me share a little secret with you.  We never use cooking wines for cooking.  They are disgusting and overpriced!  Why cook with something that you wouldn't drink?  We buy relatively cheap ($5-7) wines for cooking.  It's a good way to try something new without breaking the bank. 

 

Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta 

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 1 t. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup basil-Parmesan pesto
• 2 T. lemon juice
• 2 T. water
• 4 T. white wine
• 1 T. plus 2 t. basil
• 12 to 16 oz. pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place broccoli on a cookie sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil and salt.  Roast in oven until crisp-tender and tips are slightly browned (about 20 minutes).  

 

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

 

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Spray with cooking spray and cook chicken and garlic for about 2 minutes, or until browned on sides.  Then, pour remaining ingredients in skillet, stirring to mix.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 6-8 minutes or until chicken is done.  To serve, combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken mixture.  Serves 6.