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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Well I messed up and bought butternut instead of spaghetti squash but we just ate it on the side. This pesto is AMAZEBALLS, it would be a great replacement for artichoke dip or a veggie dip. My chicken turned out a bit dry but I think I’m physically unable to cook a moist chicken breast. Bravo for another yummy hit!
Made this the other night (with chicken thighs) and it was FANTASTIC!!!!
I just have to say that I was anxious to make this dish the other night, but am always a tad skeptical about how ‘amazing’ something will taste. I mean, c’mon, we all like to think that our cooking doesn’t suck, right?
Well, the best way I can describe this dish is that it is company worthy, in that I would invite ANYONE to my house for dinner and serve this up – it really IS that good!
It’s now going to be part of my weekly rotation.
One caution – if you bring leftovers to work, be prepared to have people hover over you as you eat 😉
This is the first recipe I’ve made from your website! I will be making many more thanks 🙂
My whole family loved this dinner!! My 9 year old had 2nd’s and 3rd’s. My 13 year old wondered why I didn’t make more. This one is definitely going in the rotation……. Thanks so much!
I made this for dinner tonight and it was AMAZING! Thank you for all your posts and recipes! Your one Rad Gal!
Looks like cozy comfort food! Yum. I’ll definitely try this recipe during a cooking class I’ve only recently signed up for. To be more precise, on Valentine’s day my boyfriend gave me an unusual Valentine’s present – he made a private booking for one of the courses organized by Zac’s cooking school in our native Vancouver – cooking classes for couples so I’m now collecting interesting recipes to come up with during that course. And I’m sure this recipe will most certainly be among the first ones we’ll try together.
Made this for dinner last night… my fiance thought he wouldn’t like spaghetti squash… turns out he loves it! The pesto is also delish. Thank you again!
Hands down one of the best things I have ever made! Great recipe!
Juli, my very first experience with spaghetti squash! I s not sure what to expect.. Ha! I was pleasantly surprised! And your recipe is spot on.. So yummy! (Love your blog..added bonus) Beauty, brains and creative! Thank you!