chicken pesto penne

Pesto is one of the easiest and tastiest things to make. No pesto out of a jar will ever compare to fresh, homemade pesto. A great dish to impress your guests!

Here's what you'll need for about 4 servings:

• 400g penne
• 4 chicken breasts, grilled and seasoned with sea salt and pepper
• 1 large red pepper, sliced, grilled and seasoned with sea salt and pepper
• 20-25g fresh basil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• grated romano cheese
• 4 tbsp. nuts (pine nuts and/or almonds)
• sea salt
• fresh ground pepper

Prep work (about 20 minutes):

1. Grill the chicken until cooked and chop into cubes.
2. Grill the red pepper until soft and slightly burnt.
3. Boil water for the penne and cook until al dente.
4. Add all other ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. If you make the pesto ahead of time, it can be refrigerated.

Here's what to do (about 5 minutes):

1. Strain the penne but leave enough starchy water to cover the bottom of the pot.
2. Add penne back into the pot.
3. Add the pesto, chicken, and red pepper.
4. Stir thoroughly until heated.
5. Serve and enjoy.