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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This was Ah-ma-zing! I made some for dinner tonight and everyone loved it! Awesome recipe!! So excited I have some leftovers so I can enjoy it again!
This was AMAZING! Whipped up the pesto in the Vitamix and it turned out perfect! Also added some roasted red peppers in with the spinach then baked in the oven for 10. Outstanding!
You crack me up! I can’t wait to try this, but I’m not a huge artichoke heart fan – maybe sub spinach?
And fro-yo with a special guy? Absolutely. Tell Sergio I’ll eat fro yo with him 😉
I just made a big batch of this for the next couple days worth of meals, and oh my goodness was i happy with the results!
It is rich, tasty and absolutely delicious! I added tons of spinach to add alot of green to the dish. A serving of this and a mixed greens salad is a perfect, hearty, yet healthy meal.
Will definitely make this again. Love your recipes!
Well played! Excellent recipe, easily tweaked for AIP! I’m saving a little of the pesto to have with tuna as a snack and had a very hard time walking away from the rest of the pan in order to have leftovers for lunch. Yes, I can eat an amazing amount of food.
This was stunning! I hate parsley so I left it out – came out awesome. I kept eating the pesto before I put it on anything. I love how creamy and rich it is. It made enough for 4 large sized servings for me – I’ve been eating it for lunch all week.
I cook dinner for my parents every Sunday night and this is on the menu this week. I LOVE your site and your recipes. You rock!
I just made this tonight and it is DELICIOUS. Thank you!
I just made it tonight after wanting to make it for weeeeeeeks,,, i made it with zucchini pasta! Delicious! I made so much that I have sme left over for tomorrow @lunch!, can’t wait for lunch tomorrow!
Ah! Yesterday I made the Sugar detox carrot cake pudding!!! DELICIOUSSSSS!!!! And it was funny that my husband kind of sneaked in when I was watching your video, and he told me today after we ate the pasta dish: ” I didn’t see you dancing while cooking!! If you are going to cook like Juli, you must dance like her!!! Very funny!!!
Loveeereeeee your recipes!!!!
OMGeez, this was phenomenal! I read it and made it the same day. It tastes like creamy restaurant pasta without the guilt. I am new to Paleo but will definitely stick with it if I find more recipes like this. Amazeballs.