Description
A filling dinner with seared chicken, roasted asparagus, and pasta shells in basil pesto. This meal balances lean protein and vegetables. Warm mozzarella pearls create creamy pockets.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 0.5 inch thickness
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 0.5 cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes, drained with 1 tablespoon oil reserved
- 0.5 cup refrigerated basil pesto
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss the asparagus pieces on a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and a pinch of the salt and pepper.
- Roast the asparagus for 10 to 12 minutes until tender and slightly browned on the edges.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
- Season the pounded chicken breasts on both sides with the dried oregano, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Heat the reserved sun dried tomato oil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 0.25 cup of the starchy cooking water.
- Combine the hot pasta, roasted asparagus, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, and reserved pasta water in a large serving bowl.
- Stir in the mozzarella pearls gently so they warm through but do not fully melt.
- Top with the sliced chicken strips and grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to sauté the chicken for extra flavor.
- Warm the mozzarella pearls gently with the hot pasta; avoid over-melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American