Italian Chicken & Zucchini with Pesto-Pepper Rice
Fast & Easy

Italian Chicken & Zucchini

with Pesto-Pepper Rice

25 MIN
+$4.95/serving 2 Servings
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  • with Chicken Breasts
    includes 2 No Added Hormones, Antibiotic-Free, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts View recipe
  • with Top Sirloin Steaks
    includes two 5.5-oz No Added Hormones, Pasture-Raised Top Sirloin Steaks
  • with Top Sirloin Steaks

    From the Test Kitchen

    This simple dish is packed with vibrant Italian flavors like basil (the beloved, aromatic herb at the heart of our irresistible pesto), as well as a blend of classic seasonings like the fragrant dried rosemary and sage used to coat our chicken.
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    • Nutrition
      PER SERVING
    • Calories
      750 Cals (est.)
    View Full Nutrition
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    ingredients
    Italian Chicken & Zucchini with Pesto-Pepper Rice
    Title
    • 2 Steaks
    • ½ cup Long Grain White Rice
    • ⅓ cup Basil Pesto
    • 1 Zucchini
    • 1 Lemon
    • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • 1 oz Sliced Roasted Red Peppers
    • 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning (Whole Dried Basil, Sage, Oregano, Savory, Rosemary, Thyme & Marjoram)
    Cook the rice
    1 Cook the rice

    Carefully rinse the rice (sifting through for any impurities). Drain thoroughly. In a small pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 1 cup of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, without stirring, 13 to 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork. Cover to keep warm.

    2 Cook the steaks

    Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with salt, pepper, and enough of the Italian seasoning to coat (you may have extra). In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks. Cook, turning occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (125°F), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes.

    *The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for steak. Cook the steaks an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve this.

    Cook the steaks
    Prepare the remaining ingredients
    3 Prepare the remaining ingredients

    Wash and dry the fresh produce. Thinly slice the zucchini into rounds. Roughly chop the peppers. Quarter and deseed the lemon.

    4 Cook the zucchini

    In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced zucchini in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Turn off the heat. Stir in the juice of 2 lemon wedges. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

    Cook the zucchini
    Finish the rice & serve your dish
    5 Finish the rice & serve your dish

    To the pot of cooked rice, add the pesto and chopped peppers; stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; slice crosswise against the grain. Serve the sliced steaks with the finished rice and cooked zucchini. Garnish with the cheese. Serve the remaining lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

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