Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

READY IN 45 MINUTES

SERVES FOUR TO SIX

INGREDIENTS

I love to use my air fryer to make the chicken nice and crispy. You can also pan fry in 1 cup of avocado oil for 5-7 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 7-10 minutes per side. Feel free to substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed to 2-3” strips. Adjust cooking times based on size of chicken tenderloins. Chicken is ready when internal temperature is at 165°F. Make sure to use hot pasta water as this will cook the egg yolk. 

  • 12 ounces brown rice pasta 

AVOCADO PESTO 

  • ½ cup hot pasta water 

  • 1 avocado 

  • 1 cup fresh basil, tightly packed 

  • 1 cup kale, stems removed 

  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled 

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice 

  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast 

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme 

  • ½ teaspoon real salt 

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder 

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper 

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 

  • 1 egg yolk 

CHICKEN 

  • 2 ½ cups plantain chips, no added sugar 

  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder 

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder 

  • ½ teaspoon real salt 

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder 

  • ½ teaspoon paprika 

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 

  • 2 eggs 

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins, boneless & skinless 

PREPARATION

  1. In a large pot prepare pasta according to package instructions. Strain and save ½ cup hot pasta water for the sauce. 

  2. To your blender add avocado pesto ingredients. Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds. Set aside. 

  3. Blend plantain chips in blender until a coarse powder has formed, about 90 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 

  4. In a shallow dish combine arrowroot powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper and eggs. Whisk until well combined. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. 

  5. In batches, dip the chicken in the egg mixture with one hand & place on a clean plate. Using the other hand, pour some of the plantain chips onto the chicken and coat by patting it gently on both sides. Set coated pieces aside on a separate plate until all are complete. 

  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F and cook chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

  7. Plate pasta, chicken and top with pesto. Enjoy!