This recipe all started when I got a huge bunch of amazing smelling basil from the farmers market and needed to make something before it went bad! I wanted to do something different from the typical pesto pasta, so I thought I'd try out a pizza. It turned out delicious, Colin and I even enjoyed the leftovers!
For the pesto:
3 cups basil leaves
1/2 cup roasted almonds
3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2-3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt
black pepper
To start, throw the almonds, garlic and basil leaves into the food processor. I used whole almonds so I put them on the bottom to get hit first, but it should matter too much. You can used whole or slivered almonds, just be sure they are roasted (to enhance the flavor) or put them on a sheet tray and in a 350 degree oven for 7-10 min. Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they become finely chopped . Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse just to combine. Next, begin to stream the olive oil into the top while the processor is running. You want to add enough oil for it to become more of a sauce and not too chunky and thick; it will lighten slightly in color. Next add salt and pepper to taste and you are done!
This basic pesto can be used on a number of things. You can add it to pasta with a little pasta water to thin it out, marinate chicken or shrimp before you grill them, pour over vegetables, or to make pesto pizza! Use your imagination, the options are endless!
For the pizza:
1 tube of Pillsbury pizza dough (use whatever kind you like)
1 cup cooked chicken
1/4 cup sliced onion
1/4 cup sliced tomato
1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
I initially was interested in getting a bag of pre-made dough that I could roll out on my own, but my grocery store didn't have this so I went for the tube, which also tasted great! Whatever you get, follow instructions for how to bake it. For me, I sprayed a cookie sheet with a little cooking spray, laid out the dough (fixed the cracks I had created in opening it) and baked it first for 9 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Once the dough is pre-baked, spread some pesto all over the top, leaving a small border around the outside for the crust to rise! Depending on how thick you want to lay the sauce, you may not use the entire amount, just save the rest for something else. Next spread the chicken, onion, and tomato around the pizza evenly. I used a guesstimate for my amounts, just use what you feel is right for you! I used leftover chicken breast that was cooked from another meal, so use what you have. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top and throw it back into the oven for about 7 more minutes. When the cheese has melted, it is done! Cut some pieces out and enjoy :)
Feel free to add or subtract whichever ingredients you want! I can assure you these are a very tasty combination that my boyfriend and I enjoyed immensely, but use whatever ingredients you have on hand and whatever you think will taste delicious! Pizza toppings are an easy thing to add once you have the base, so be creative!
Let me know how this pizza turns out for you, and any ideas you think I should try!
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