I put together this recipe right in the beginning of my 3rd trimester. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was craving, but I knew it had to be hearty and satisfying. I let the things I had in my kitchen and pantry guide me. If I had more veggies, I probably would have added those into the dish as well, or if I had marinara sauce or cheese, I may have made a different type of pasta. But I have to say, the end result of this dish went perfectly and harmoniously together. It definitely hit the spot in my very pregnant tummy.
Also, don’t let the amount of steps fool you. This is actually a very quick and easy recipe! When you are ready to cook the chicken, make the pasta and veggies at the same time. Each item only takes a few minutes to make!
- ***Grilled Chicken***
- Boneless chicken breast, 2 pieces
- 1 clove minces garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cayenne pepper
- ***Pasta***
- 1 box pasta, I prefer linguine or spaghetti
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- ***Veggies***
- Chopped kale
- Cherry tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Marinate the chicken with all the ingredients for at least an hour
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes on one side, and 2-3 minutes on the other side
- Once chicken is cooked all the way, let it rest for 5 minutes off the grill, then cut into pieces
- You can also bake this chicken in oven at 375 for about 30 minutes. I wrap it in foil paper to keep it moist.
- ***Pasta***
- Cook pasta per directions on package with salt
- Once done, set aside 2 cups of pasta water to use for late
- While pasta cooks, saute the 6 cloves of garlic in the oil for 1 minute
- Add crushed red peppers and saute for another 20-30 seconds
- Slowly add the reserved pasta water ½ cup at a time
- Let it simmer and reduce slightly
- Add in the pasta and toss
- ***Veggies***
- Saute garlic for a few seconds in oil
- Add kale and saute for 2 minutes
- Add cherry tomatoes, cut in half, salt and pepper
- Saute for another couple of minutes
- Put the pasta aglio e olio into a dish, top it off with grilled chicken and the kale/tomatoes.
- Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and enjoy this absolutely delicious and comforting meal!!
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