Lizzies Pasta Food

LIZZIE'S CHICKEN CUTLETS

Steps:

• Set up your grill for cooking with direct and indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, so you have thinner chicken cutlets. Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and gently pound out to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch.
• To a mixing bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, 2 teaspoons paprika and 1 teaspoon curry powder. Season with salt and pepper and whisk to combine well. To another mixing bowl, add the breadcrumbs, remaining 2 teaspoons paprika and remaining teaspoon curry powder. Season with salt and pepper and whisk to combine well. Whisk together the eggs and mustard in another mixing bowl.
• Place a large cast-iron pan on the direct-heat side of the grill to preheat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge the chicken in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess in between. When the pan is hot, add enough olive oil so that it's 1/2-inch deep. Bring the oil to 350 degrees F, then add half the chicken, leaving plenty of space in between. Cook the chicken until golden brown, then flip and brown on the other side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain off any extra oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding additional olive oil to the pan, if needed. Serve and enjoy!

SPAGHETTI WITH QUICK PESTO TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Set up your grill for cooking with direct and indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Make the tomato sauce: Combine the tomatoes along with their juices, butter, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, onion halves and a pinch of salt in a very large saucepan or skillet. Place over the indirect-heat side of the grill and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and using a potato masher to smash the whole tomatoes at the halfway mark. Discard the onion and bay leaves.
• Make the pesto: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the garlic and nuts until chopped. Add the basil with a pinch of salt and pulse until it makes coarse crumbs. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the Parmesan and olive oil. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place a large pot of salted water over the direct-heat side of the grill and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions, then scoop out into the tomato sauce, adding 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss to coat, then remove from the heat. (If the pasta is too dry, add some more pasta water.) Stir half the pesto mixture into the pasta. Plate and serve immediately with more pesto over the top.