Chicken and Pasta with Cilantro Pesto

This recipe arose out of my desperate need to deal with my growing accumulation of cilantro, courtesy of our weekly Greenling box. We like cilantro all right, but a forest? That's when we take action.

I have to say that my kids, who have pretty discriminating taste buds, snarfed this down. The folks in my home meeting did the same, three nights later. I think that qualifies this dish as a crowd-pleaser.

Oh, and if I were cooler, I'd have a mouthwatering photo for you. But it's like I tell my kids: We get to use our imaginations!

Chicken and Pasta with Cilantro Pesto

Blend in food processor:

1 bunch cilantro

1/2 cup olive oil

1 handful almonds/walnuts/whatever nuts you have on hand

3 garlic cloves

salt & pepper

3-4 kale leaves (optional but recommended)

Boil:

1 16-oz. package short pasta, such as rotini

Sauté:

1 lb. chopped chicken breast

3-4 kale leaves, chopped (optional)

Drain pasta, add cooked chicken (and kale), and mix in the cilantro/kale pesto. Yum!