Lemon Infused Olive Oil Pasta, Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper, Topped with Grilled Chicken

My recent obsession with infused olive oil prompted me to experiment with a favorite dish. It’s a recipe that my husband and I enjoy, and it is an easy to make dinner. I was excited to cook with a new batch of Meyer lemon infused olive oil I just made. In a previous blog post I shared how to make lemon infused olive oil. Meyer lemons have a slightly fruitier flavor as opposed to the tart taste of a regular lemon. Which is better? It’s really all a matter of taste preference. I like both.   

Ingredients for Pasta

• 2 large organic broccoli crowns -washed, drained and chopped
• 1 large organic red bell pepper cut into strips
• 3 large cloves garlic -chopped finely
• ¼ cup lemon infused olive oil *plus 3 tablespoons regular olive oil
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
• 1lb box Pasta
• ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients for Chicken Marinade

• 2 boneless skinless organic chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons lemon infused olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs -I used a combination of sage, and thyme, and oregano

Directions

Prepare the chicken

Baste the chicken on both sides with the lemon infused olive oil using a small basting brush

Sprinkle the finely chopped herbs on top of the chicken

Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper

Cover dish and set in refrigerator for around 15 minutes or longer

Place marinated chicken breast on a hot grill or in a frying pan and cook thoroughly (at least 165 degrees) when the chicken is cooked, allow to cool down and slice strips on a diagonal.

Prepare the Broccoli & Red Pepper with Olive Oil

Pour the ¼ lemon infused olive oil into a frying pan and heat. Once oil is heated add your chopped broccoli, red pepper and garlic. Season with salt and Pepper. Sautee on medium heat. If additional oil is needed add *regular olive oil. When the broccoli turns a brighter shade of green and appears tender turn off stove and cover frying pan. This allows the broccoli to steam and finish cooking without burning. Don’t turn the burner back on.

Preparing the Pasta:

Boil water and cook your pasta as directed on the package. When the pasta is al dente take 2 soup ladles of the pasta water and place it into the frying pan with the broccoli and red bell pepper (your burner should still be off). Drain your pasta and add it to the frying pan with your vegetables. Mix well and add the grated cheese.  Place pasta into a pasta dish top with the cooked sliced chicken breast. Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.