Fettucine with Pesto and Easy Chicken

Last night I was in the mood to make something new and different. After a search through my favorite cookbook with pictures and a quick trip to the store, a new family favorite was born. I wish I had known before how easy it is to make pesto!

12 oz uncooked fettuccine
3 cups (1 oz) loosley packed fresh basil leaves
2/3 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, place basil, cheese, walnuts, oil, garlic, salt and pepper in food processor or blender; process until well blended. (Sauce will thin out over hot pasta.) Place hot past in a large bowl; add sauce. Toss until well coated. Serve immediatly.

Along with the pasta I made some super easy chicken. I tossed a few chicken breasts into a skillet with a little EVOO and poured some Italian dressing on top of each one. I browned them and cooked them covered on medium heat for a few minutes...until they were done. It turned out really yummy and combined well with the Pesto flavors.
Happy cooking.

Chicken Pasta Salad

2/3 c. oil
1 tbsp. lime juice
1/3 cup white wine vingegar
1 lb. cooked pasta
2 tsp. chili powder
1 c cubed, cooked chicken
1 tsp salt
6 oz grated jack cheese
½ tsp dry mustard
1 can chopped green chilies
¼ tsp pepper
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 avocado, cubed
tortilla chips
Mix the oil, vinegar, chili powder, salt, mustard, pepper, garlic and lime juice for the dressing. Toss the pasta, chicken, cheese, green chilies, onions and avocado with the dressing. Crumble the chips over the salad and serve.


This recipe is from my friend Kareena Mullens. It's yummy. My family doesn't necessarily love it, but I make it for adult parties I attend, baby showers, etc. Enjoy!