Spaghetti With Asparagus Pesto And Smoked Chicken Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
• STEP 2.While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus pesto. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool. Drain and pat dry.
• STEP 3.In a food processor, combine the blanched asparagus, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 4.In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked chicken and cook until heated through.
• STEP 5.Once the pasta is cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Add the asparagus pesto and toss to coat the spaghetti evenly.
• STEP 6.Serve the spaghetti topped with the smoked chicken and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
• STEP 7.Enjoy the spaghetti with asparagus pesto and smoked chicken immediately.

Cooking Tips

• To make the pesto extra creamy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
• If you don't have smoked chicken, you can use grilled or roasted chicken instead.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms, for added flavor and texture.

Storage and Serving

• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the pesto and the smoky flavor of the chicken.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.