8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 thin slices smoked deli ham
4 slices smoked mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 cup prepared pesto
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken in bread crumbs to coat both sides; shake off excess.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes. Turn; cook 2 minutes longer. Top with ham and mozzarella cheese; sprinkle with sage. Cook until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°, 1-2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
4. Add pesto to pasta and toss to coat. Serve chicken with pasta. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Use prosciutto instead of ham to make the dish extra smoky.
TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 4 servings.