Lemon Basil Pasta

This is one of the best Pioneer Woman recipes I have tried.  I love this pasta and I think my hubby and kids love it more. The basil and lemon go perfectly together and the chicken is super yummy.  I prefer it to be cooked outside on the BBQ for added flavor but in the winter months the good ol George Forman works perfectly.  This is also a must try...

For the Chicken Marinade:

•   2 Chicken Breast, Boneless & Skinless
•   2 Tbs. Olive oil
•   2 Lemons, Juiced
•   2 Tbs. Dijon Mustard
•   2-3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
•   1 tsp. Salt
•   1 tsp. Pepper
•   Red Pepper Flake to taste.

Mix all the ingredients into a bowl and let it set for 20 minutes or so.  Once marinated, grill the chicken either in an indoor grill or bbq.  Cover and set aside to rest.

For the Pasta:

• ½ pound Penne Pasta, Cooked Until Al Dente
• 1/4 stick Butter
• 2 whole Lemons, Juiced
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (more or less depending on how thick you want the sauce)
• 1-1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
• 20 whole Basil Leaves, Chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions. Set pasta aside in a colander.

In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice the lemons. Whisk together. Pour in cream. Whisk until it is hot and bubbly. Dump in cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper. Check consistency, adding more cream to loosen the sauce if needed (some of the pasta water could also be added to loosen).  Add the chopped basil and let the sauce cook for a minute or so.

Add the pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.  Plate the pasta and add the grilled chicken chopped into slices on top.  Garnish with more basil if desired.  Serve immediately!

This really is a super yummy pasta dish.  Make it today and remember to take the Thyme to Savor...