#Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto
A harmony of flavors meeting in a hearty pasta dish, the Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto is a delightful dinner option. The aromatic parsley and walnut pesto, juicy chicken, and wholesome vegetables make this dish a nutritional powerhouse that doesn’t skimp on taste.
##Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a heart-healthy, flavourful and filling meal, this is your dish. It’s not only loaded with chicken and vegetables, but also contains walnuts that bring an additional layer of nutrition and texture. The divine parsley-walnut pesto is a refreshing change from basil pesto. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to change up the vegetables according to your preference or what’s in season.
##How to Make Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto
##Ingredients:
##For the Pasta:
– 300g penne pasta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 400g chicken breast, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
##For the Parsley-Walnut Pesto:
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/3 cup walnuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
##Directions:
**Follow these directions to a perfect Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto.**
1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. Combine parsley, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Gradually add olive oil with the processor still running until the mixture is smooth. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Use the same pan to sauté the bell pepper and zucchini until just tender.
5. Combine everything: the cooked chicken, pasta, pesto, and reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss over low heat until everything is well coated and heated through.
6. Serve the pasta among plates and enjoy your homemade Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto!
##How to Serve Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto
You can serve this dish with some crusty bread on the side and a glass of white wine for a degree of sophistication. If you want to enhance the vegetable content, add a side of green salad.
##How to Store Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or stove, adding a bit of water or oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
##Tips to Make Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto
– Always reserve some pasta water. The starchy water helps to make your sauce silky and allows it to adhere to the pasta better.
– Use quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables, good olive oil, and fresh Parmesan can dramatically improve the end result.
– Don’t rush cooking the chicken. Let it cook until golden brown; this caramelization adds flavor.
##Variation
You can substitute zucchini with any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes would work excellently.
##FAQs
**1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?**
Yes, omit the chicken and add more of your favourite vegetables.
**2. Can I use store-bought pesto?**
Yes, but making fresh pesto is easy and tastes much better.
**3. What other nuts can I use in the pesto?**
Walnuts can be replaced with pine nuts, almonds, or even pecans.