Pasta with pesto sauce and grilled chicken

Marinated chicken thighs with pasta in pesto sauce

Who doesn't love a delicious meal that combines the intense flavor of roasted chicken with a fresh and savory pesto sauce? This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and will delight your senses. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this simple and quick recipe that will transform any meal into a true celebration of flavors.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Necessary ingredients:

For the marinated chicken thighs:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs (ideally, choose free-range chicken for tastier and healthier meat)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the pesto sauce:
- 30 g fresh basil (make sure it's fresh for an intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
- 2 garlic cloves (helps intensify the flavors)
- 40 g parmesan (finely grated)
- 30 g pine nuts (optional, but adds a crunchy note)
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the pasta:
- 100 g Tortiglioni pasta (or any other preferred type)
- 1 cube of butter (to add creaminess to the pasta)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Marinating the chicken:
Start by deboning the chicken thighs, making sure to leave the skin intact, as this will add flavor and crunch at the end. Wash the thighs well and dry them with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken thighs with this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Marinating will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, giving it a divine taste.

2. Preparing the pesto sauce:
Place the basil, salt, pine nuts, and garlic in a mortar. Use a pestle to grind the ingredients until you obtain a smooth paste. Add the parmesan and continue to grind. Then, while mixing, gradually pour in the olive oil, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you achieve a fine cream. It is important to use extra virgin olive oil to benefit from all the nutritional properties and intense flavors. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more oil if desired.

3. Boiling the pasta:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. When the water is boiling, add the Tortiglioni pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and add the cube of butter, mixing well. This will add a creamy texture and rich flavor.

4. Grilling the chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium heat. The marinated chicken thighs should be placed on the grill skin side down. Score the skin slightly to allow the fat to drain and to achieve a crispy crust. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, being careful not to burn it but also not to leave it undercooked. The meat should be well cooked, and the juices should run clear.

5. Assembling the dish:
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with a generous spoonful of the prepared pesto sauce. Share the pasta onto plates, and top with slices of grilled chicken thighs. If desired, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for a pleasing aesthetic.

Serving suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. A white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and the pesto sauce, rich in basil and pine nuts, provides healthy fats and antioxidants. Whole grain pasta can be a healthy option, offering fiber and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or even turkey, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make the pesto sauce vegan?
You can replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

3. What other types of pasta can I use?
Any type of long or short pasta will work, but Tortiglioni or Penne are ideal for holding the pesto sauce.

4. Can I prepare the pesto sauce in advance?
Yes, the pesto sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the surface with a layer of oil to prevent oxidation.

Prepare this simple and quick recipe for marinated chicken thighs with pasta in pesto sauce and discover a divine taste that will turn your meal into a special moment. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the marinated thighs: 2 boneless chicken thighs (free-range chicken) sweet paprika salt pepper olive oil For the pesto sauce: 30 g fresh basil 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt 2 garlic cloves 40 g Parmesan 30 g pine nuts 5 tablespoons olive oil 100 g Tortiglioni pasta a cube of butter

 Tags:  pasta with pesto sauce and grilled chicken pesto pasta chicken grill agricultural