I don't know if it's the weather, the time change, or just the general blah-ness in the air but I am feeling completely unmotivated in the kitchen. My old dinner standbys just aren't cutting the mustard anymore. Yesterday, though, I made it super easy on myself and just mixed a bunch of different containers together. I had very low expectations for this dish but was quite surprised by the results.
I'm not sure it requires a written recipe but here it is in all its simpleness:
Rice Penne with Chicken, Pesto, and Ricotta
1 cup cooked chicken breast (I used a rotisserie), torn in pieces
12–16 oz. penne pasta (I used brown rice penne)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pesto (I used store bought)
Handful of shaved Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Boil the water and cook the pasta. (When I cook with rice pasta, I use a lot of extra water and stand over the pot, checking the noodles every minute or so. I drain the pasta the second it's done {which is usually much earlier than the package says} - otherwise the pasta gets gummy and disgusting.) Return the pasta to the pot.
2. Add the chicken, pesto, and ricotta to the pasta. Mix together gently until it's combined the way you like it. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Top with shaved Parmesan and serve hot, alongside sauteed broccolini and a green salad.
You didn't really need a recipe, did you? I didn't think so.

