FOOD FROM ITALY - LOMBARDIA 2

LOMBARDIA

BELLAGIO - LAKE OF COMO

CHICKEN BELLAGIO

FOR THE GARLIC BASIL PESTO:
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
1 or 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

½ cup heavy cream ( optional if you like creamier )

6 Chicken breast thin ( if needed use meat mallet )

FOR THE BREADING:
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. oregano

FOR FRYING:
4 Tbsp. olive oil or enough to coat bottom of pan with 1/4 in. of oil

FOR THE PASTA:
½ box. angel hair pasta
2 Tbsp. garlic pesto sauce

FOR THE PARMESAN CREAM SAUCE:
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
3 Tbsp. garlic pesto sauce
1/3 cup Parmsan-Reggiano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper


To prepare the garlic basil pesto, add all of the ingredients for the pesto to a food processor and pulse until well blended; set aside.

Pound out the chicken breasts one at a time in between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a ziploc bag until flattened out evenly.

In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley into the bread crumbs to season.

Coat the breasts in flour, and then dip in the beaten egg, and then into the seasoned bread crumbs. Coat completely flipping the breasts over a few times to completely coat. Refrigerate the breasts on a plate for 15 minutes, uncovered, to get the seasoned bread crumbs to really stick.
Boil the pasta in salted water until done, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low until needed.

To prep the parmesan cream sauce, add heavy cream to a saute pan and bring the cream to a simmer, and incorporate the basil pesto. Add salt and white pepper to taste, and as it begins to thicken, add the parmesan cheese and stir vigorously to incorporate it. Continue to stir until it thickens more. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat a non stick or well seasoned cast iron skillet over medium low to medium heat. Add olive oil and fry the breasts on the first side until golden brown, about 3 minutes Transfer to a baking dish and bake 15 minutes. Top chicken with the parmesan cream sauce and return to oven for 15 more minutes.
TO ASSEMBLE:
Drain the pasta and place in a large bowl. Stir in garlic basil pesto. Place the pasta on each plate: pour some of the cream sauce over the pasta. 

Add the chicken breast and serve