Pesto burps. They never seem to come at the right times. Like during a workout. Not my favorite thing.
I’m into Michael Jackson right now. And Glee versions of Michael Jackson.
So yesterday, I was having a real off day. Probably because I’m pmsing. Ew, TMI. Anywho, I was an emotional mess. I cooked 4 different meals and enjoyed absolutely none of it. You know how people say food is always delicious when it’s cooked with love? Well none of mine had love behind it. The food still tasted good, but with a hint of anger added to it. I’m not really an angry person, but I definitely get a crease between my eyes when I’m upset about something. Maybe it was just because I was up at 4am that day. That’s probably it. It has nothing to do with the fact I’m constantly thinking about chocolate, feeling fat, and breaking out.
Being a woman is the devil sometimes. Hate me for that statement, do it.
And yesterday I kept trying to pull myself out of self hatred. Which was much easier when Sergio came over. Just because he makes my self hatred humorous somehow. Well we decided to run around the park which was probably another poor idea since my run would be ran with no happiness behind it. And that was shown to be especially true since he is MUCH faster than me. Even though he’s shorter, those little legs can move. By the time we ended, I was practically pleading for air while Sergio briskly walked like he hadn’t just run 2.5 miles. My self hatred just morphed to humiliation.
I finally grew up and got over it. Self hatred and frustration really lead to nowhere. So I danced to Glee songs, worked out at the gym, then had froyo to ultra-spike my endorphins. Please do not tell me that this is not paleo, I understand this. But pistachio and chocolate milkshake frozen yogurt just HAVE to eaten sometimes. Especially when it’s with a special guy.
And to make something perfectly clear, Sergio is not my special guy. He’s not my boyfriend. But he is single and would certainly be interested in making friends with someone of the opposite sex. Just saying. And yes, yes I am whoring my best friend out over the internet. I’m a bad person….kind of.
Artichoke Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Yield: 4-5 1x
Ingredients
- 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (or chicken thighs if you prefer)
- 1 large spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise (get a BIG one)
- 12–15 artichoke hearts, cut in half (I used jarred artichokes that were in olive oil for more flavor)
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 4–5 tablespoons olive oil
- 4–5 tablespoons vegetable broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- juice of 1 lemon
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3–5 cups of spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 405 degrees (not 450, stop questioning me)
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise, place cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until squash gives when you poke the outside of it.
- Use a spoon to remove the excess seeds then a fork to thread the strings from the squash. To make spaghetti, duh.
- But while the squash is baking, make the pesto and chicken.
- Place a large pan over medium-high heat, add a splash of fat and 1 minced garlic clove. As soon as the garlic becomes fragrant, add the halved artichokes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and let cook until slightly browned and tender on all sides.
- Once artichokes are browned, add them to a food processor along with the walnuts, olive oil, vegetable broth, and second garlic clove. Puree until smooth.
- Then add the parsley, basil, lemon, and salt and pepper. Puree once more until smooth. Taste and add more lemon and salt and pepper to your preference.
- Once pesto is done pureeing, add the chicken to the same pan that you sautéed the artichokes in.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Once chicken is cooked through, add in about 1/4 of a cup of the pesto to the chicken along with the spinach, in the pan and mix well to coat. Cover and let cook for 2-4 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
- Then add the threads of spaghetti squash to the pan (or a large mixing bowl if you need more room). Mix spaghetti squash, pesto, and chicken all together.
- Serve with some fresh basil on top.
- Love pesto in a new way!
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You May Also Like:
Spring Vegetable Lemon Basil Pasta
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I made this last night for dinner and wanted to lick my plate. Thanks for sharing recipes that ROCK and make this diet a snap.
This was amazing! My hubs and I were eating the pesto out of the blender. Thanks for another great recipe!
This recipe is so good! We made it last night and absolutely loved it! Thanks for another winner!
I am a newish paleo eater (2+ months) and I seriously love love love your blog. This recipe is AH-MAZING and I made it for non paleo eaters last night. They all were begging for the recipe. Love it! THANK YOU –
DELICIOUS!!! Made this last night and my non-paleo boyfriend loved it. He had it over regular spaghetti and I had it over the squash. Leftovers were amazing for lunch today too. We will definitely use this recipe again. Making the buffalo chicken meatloaf tonight. Thanks for making his conversion to paleo so much easier for me =P
Sergio can help me whip my sad little butt into action.
Kind of like having a really hot physical therapist- you do what they tell you cause you’re so starry eyed.
This was fantastic! At first I was afraid the sauce as too lemony but once mixed in with everything it was perfect! Thanks so much for your recipes, it’s making the WLC so much easier and more fun. I’m off to make your blueberry muffins now!
Another amazing recipe!!!! It was delicious and a perfect twist to our ordinary pesto.
I just made this for dinner and it was amazing! Thanks for the great recipe.
Another great recipe I won’t be able to live without. I’m so glad I found this blog!!!