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Basil Chicken Recipe

This basil chicken recipe has been sent in by my friend Bridget who says:-

I've been planting herbs in my Southern California garden for years now and Sweet Basil tops the list as a perennial favorite. The scent of fresh Basil is to me, the scent of summer. The year 'round availability brings fresh Basil to my kitchen counter all winter long and even then, its unmistakable fragrance reminds me of summer. These days, I include other varieties of Basil alongside the common Sweet Basil. Thai and Cinnamon Basil with their smaller yet aromatic leaves, are found amongst the collection of herb pots happily growing on my sunny back patio. The following recipe was developed as a direct result of having lots of fresh Basil on hand. -Bridget Geegan Blanton Temecula, California

Basil Chicken Recipe
Pasta with Chicken, Fresh Basil and Proscuitto

3 - 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

8 oz. of sliced Proscuitto

2 c chopped tomatoes. Feel free to use whatever is available (cherry, grape or whole tomatoes) just make sure they're chopped into bite-size pieces

1/2 c fresh basil rolled and julienne sliced

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

2/3 - 1 c of parmesan cheese

gemelli pasta or pasta of choice

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil

1. Lightly salt and pepper the chicken breasts and chop into bite-size pieces. Place in a bowl. Add the zest and juice from 1 lemon to chopped chicken, mix and set aside.

2. Chop the proscuitto into bite size pieces and set aside

3. In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped tomatoes. Lightly salt and pepper the tomatoes. Layer the basil over the tomatoes and splash a couple tablespoons of olive oil over all. Layer about 1/3 - 1/2 c of parmesan cheese over tomatoes and basil. Cover and set aside.

4. Cook gemelli pasta in salted, boiling water.

5. Add a couple tablespoons of olive oil to a saute pan and add chopped garlic. Allow garlic to cook for a few minutes in the oil before adding chicken/lemon mixture. Cook chicken until done and most of the liquid has evaporated. Pour cooked chicken over parmesan in bowl; re-cover and set aside. Wipe out saute pan, add a little more olive oil and cook proscuitto for a few minutes. Pour proscuitto over chicken in bowl; re-cover and set aside.

6. Drain pasta and return to cooking pot. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and remaining parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add pasta mixture to chicken proscuitto mixture and combine. Serve hot!

Visit Bridget's web-site at: www.desertrosebooks.com Desert Rose Books is home to historical fiction novel, 'Whispers on the Wind', an Irish Emigrant's tale. Visit the site and explore the topic of 'A Life Well Lived' through inspirational articles, art, cooking and gardening and weekly meditations.

If you want to grow basil for this basil chicken recipe then Growing Basil
will give you the details.