Creamy Chicken Pesto

Ingredients: Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients Notes: 
1-pound penne pasta
4 cups Fresh BasilOr 2 cups Fresh Spinach and 2 cups Fresh Basil, Washed and trimmed
2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breastCut into thin small strips, season with salt and pepper 
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup fat free evaporated milk 
½ cup olive oil
½ cup pine nuts
4 cloves garlicWashed, peeled and minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For gluten free (GF): Use GF pasta. Always check each ingredient to be sure it is gluten free.

Directions:

Steps:Directions: Critical Control Point /Quality Assurance
1Prepare pasta according to manufactures directions. Drain. 
2Heat 1 T. oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken, 7-8 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F for 15 seconds for pork 
3In a food processor combine, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, basil, garlic, and evaporated milk. Process until smooth. 
4.Pour pesto sauce over chicken. Toss to coat.  Heat through. Stir in pasta and serve hot. 

Jacqueline Larson M.S., R.D.N. and Associates