The other day I saw Stephanie Cooks post this modified Pioneer Woman Lemon Basil Pasta recipe and it reminded me that I had saved the Pioneer Woman version months ago. So, I somewhat combined both versions to allow a little bit of cheese but still make it slightly healthier than Pioneer Woman’s. While hers may taste even better, this version was really good, especially the marinated chicken. I’ll post what I did. If you want a dairy free recipe, follow Stephanie’s. If you want a creamier pasta, follow the Pioneer Woman’s. Got it?
Ingredients
For the chicken
1-1.5 lb chicken tenders (or boneless skinless breasts, cut into chunks)
2 Tb olive oil
1 t. minced garlic (I used the kind packed in EVOO)
Juice of 1 lemon (you might need 2, the lemon I used had a ton of juice so I only used 1)
Lemon pepper
Salt & pepper
For the pasta
1 lb pasta (I used rotini)
3 Tb butter
Juice of 2 lemons (again, gauge how much lemon you like & how much juice your lemons are giving off)
1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. chicken stock
1 1/2 c. grated parmesan or Italian cheese blend
Salt & freshly ground black better, to taste
20 basil leaves, roughly chopped
Start by marinating your chicken – add the chicken to a bowl and cover with EVOO, lemon juice, garlic, lemon pepper & salt and pepper. Let it sit at least an hour in the fridge. I put it together & ran to the gym. You could do the same, you’ll feel proud of yourself.
Ok, are you back? Bring a salted pot of water to boil and cook your pasta until al dente (or longer if your husband hates al dente, like Mr. Williams). Drain the pasta and set aside.
While your pasta is cooking, add some EVOO to a pan and cook your chicken. It’d be even better on the grill but it’s not that warm in Detroit yet.
In the same pot you cooked your pasta in, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice of 2 lemons – watch out for the seeds! Whisk together.
Pour in milk and chicken stock. Whisk until hot.
Dump in cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper.
Pour the pasta into the sauce and add the basil. Mix it together and top with the chicken. Sprinkle a little basil and parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy!
Kristin says
March 9, 2012 at 8:20 pmMmmmmm, what a perfect spring dish!
Val says
March 10, 2012 at 5:09 pmSounds yummy and pretty easy. Glad you “translated” the recipe to make it a little more gooey delicious!
I would love for you to follow my blog too so that we can share ideas!
Your newest follower,
Val @ http://cookcraftcrocheting.blogspot.com/
Paula says
March 13, 2012 at 7:06 pmBeautiful! I’m counting calories, so I can’t wait to try this!! We’d love for you to link this to our recipe party…
http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/03/recipe-round-up-7.html
Six Sisters says
March 14, 2012 at 3:41 amMmmm, this looks so good. Thanks for linking up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” We would love to have you back!! -The Sisters
kimberly @ lush lounge says
March 16, 2012 at 5:51 pmMmm that seems really good! I happen to have lemon pepper too!