Love Pasta

I am super excited to share a Valentine’s Day recipe that is dear to my heart. It’s called Love Pasta, and it’s perfect for enjoying with your favorite people. I picked up this lovely pasta dish from an amazing chef while I was living and working in Chicago, which honestly feels like a million years ago. I have been making it for myself and my family ever since.

It’s a delicious combo of pasta, pesto, Alfredo, chicken, veggies, and toasted pine nuts. It’s super easy to whip up and just bursting with love! To make it even easier, try using a jar of Pretty Sauced Arugula Pesto and Alfredo.

Alfredo is the kind of indulgence that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. Rich, creamy, and cheesy. Add some pesto sauce to it, and it becomes something very special. I love broccoli and asparagus; however, any vegetable works in this dish. Instead of sauteeing chicken breast, try swapping it out with rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp.

Any pasta will work, but right now, I am obsessed with fresh rigatoni from our local pasta store. Toasted pine nuts are a must! They add a rich nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Everything comes together quickly, so grab a bottle of white wine, if that’s your thing and enjoy a perfectly satisfying meal.

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Love Pasta

An easy pasta dish using a jar of Pretty Sauced Alfredo and Arugula Pesto, with sautéed chicken, veggies and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for indulging your loved ones on Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb of rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup broccoli, 1 cup of asparagus chopped and 1 cup carrots sliced, roasted or blanched
• 1/2 cup peas
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a generous amount of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Save 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chicken until golden and juicy. Cut into bite sized pieces.
3. Toss the pasta with the Alfredo Sauce, and add about a 1/2 cup of pesto.
4. Add the chicken, veggies, peas, and leftover pasta water stirring until everything is well coated.
5. Sprinkle on the toasted pine nuts and generous amounts of Parmesan cheese.
6. Add fresh basil leaves for that colorful touch.
7. Plate your Love Pasta, take a moment to admire it, and dig in. Every bite is a taste of love!

And there you have it! A pasta dish made with love to treat yourself or your loved ones. It’s simple yet indulgent—a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Cheers!