Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces wheat pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast
• 2 cups basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup walnuts
• 0.5 cup parmigiano reggiano
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Cook the whole wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
2. 2While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill over medium heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let cool and slice.
3. 3For the pesto, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, walnuts, grated Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. 4In a large skillet, lightly sauté cherry tomatoes and spinach with a teaspoon of olive oil just until the spinach wilts.
5. 5Toss the cooked pasta with the homemade pesto, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
6. 6Add the sautéed vegetables and sliced chicken to the pasta, tossing until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. 7Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. 8Serve immediately, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.