Chicken with Kale & Spinach Pesto with Toasted Walnuts
By
Mary Feltman
@MaryEsther767
9
This is one of my "HealthiER" dishes I was trying out for my family...and it was a hit! My sister gave me a BIG compliment when she said, "It tastes like a 'Downton' dinner!" It WAS a very pretty plating, but it was also a healthier option!
Ingredients
- 2
- chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 5 oz
- kale (small bunch)
- 5 oz
- spinach, frozen; thawed
- 1/2 c
- sunflower seeds
- 1 clove
- garlic, sliced
- 4 Tbsp
- mushroom-infused olive oil
- 1/2 c
- fresh parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp
- lemon juice, fresh
- 1/2 tsp
- kosher salt
- 1/2 c
- pasta water
- 1 c
- walnuts, chopped
- 2 Tbsp
- butter
How to Make Chicken with Kale & Spinach Pesto with Toasted Walnuts
- 1Prep kale: cut away center stem, and rinse thoroughly.
- 2Prep spinach: thaw, and squeeze out excess liquid.
- 3In a large pot, bring slightly salted water to a boil.
- 4Place kale in water and let blanch for 1 1/2 minutes.
- 5Remove kale and either immerse in cold water or run under cold water; drain well.
- 6In the large bowl of a food processor, place : 2 T of the oil, sliced clove of garlic, lemon juice, sunflower seeds, Parmesan cheese, salt, and drained kale and spinach.
- 7Pulse and scrap down sides repeatedly, until completely blended, and to the consistence you desire. ** I needed to add the other tablespoon of oil and some pasta water, to get the "saucier" consistency that I wanted.
Set completed pesto aside. - 8In medium-large pot, bring slightly salted water to boil.
- 9Place chicken in water and boil 15-20 minutes, making certain it's completely cooked. Let cool.
- 10Using two forks, shred the chicken; set aside.
- 11Heat a small saucepan and add the chopped walnuts; toast for about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- 12Bring a large pot of good salted water to boil; add spaghetti, and cook according to package directions.
**I used an organic, whole wheat pasta to make it healthier. - 13Remove a cup of the pasta water and set it aside for possible use in the pesto.
Drain pasta and place in a bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of butter; toss to coat. - 14Place pasta on plate, add shredded chicken and pesto, and top with toasted walnuts. Enjoy!
