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Chicken Pesto Pasta

Spicy, tangy, and savory makes this a light and fresh pasta meal.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Simply Happenstance

Ingredients

For Tomato Portion

  • 2 cups of cherry and sun burst tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar love Williams Sonoma version
  • A dash of red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Pesto Sauce

  • 2 Cups fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts toast ahead of time 400 F for 5-10 min
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • Chicken Italian Sausage I used Whole Foods Fresh Sausage
  • 1 lb box of pasta cooked al dente I like to use Barila
  • 1 ball of burrata cheese pieced apart

Instructions

  • Set oven to 425 F
  • Cut up tomatoes and line on a cookie sheet
  • Sprinkle ingredients over tomatoes and mix together on the sheet.
  • Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes
  • While tomatoes are cooking start boiling the water for the pasta.
  • Cook pasta as per box directions in a large dutch oven.
  • Drain pasta and keep on the stove top.
  • Take the sausage out of their casings and cook the chicken meat in a separate fry pan until fully browned and set aside.
  • While browning the sausage prepare the pesto with a food processor.
  • Pulse the basil, salt, pepper, and garlic until finely chopped.
  • After that add the olive oil while pulsing until smooth.
  • Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle in the cheese and stir together.
  • Once the the tomatoes, sausage, and pesto are down add all the ingredients to the
  • large dutch oven.
  • Add the pieces of burrata and sprinkle in parmesan cheese for taste.
  • Mix together and enjoy.

Notes

This pasta is fresh, cheesy, and savory. It takes a little time to create but it is a wonderful pasta dish for a special occasion or better yet for a date night in.
Adapted from Pesto Recipe from Every Day Italian