Basil Pesto to the Rescue

At about $3.50 per jar, Wegman’s Basil Pesto sauce has become a must-have item in my kitchen. I never used pesto before, but I decided to buy a jar to recreate a chicken pesto Panini that is sold at Wegman’s for $6.50.  In the last few weeks, I’ve use two of these jars already to create pasta dishes and pizzas, and I absolutely love it! This is an ingredient that is not dirt cheap, but it isn’t expensive either. 

Wegman’s Chicken Pesto Panini

You will need a Panini maker, of course.  I began with Wegman’s recipe for a Margherita Panini, which calls for their Italian Pane bread. However, I discovered that regular sandwich bread is just fine.  

You’ll need:

• Sandwich bread (I used Nature’s Own Honey Wheat)
• Chicken (I shredded rotisserie chicken.  It is less expensive that any pre-packaged chicken, and way more delicious!)
• Roasted red peppers, cut in strips (I bought a couple of jars at BJ’s Wholesale, but you can find these jar at any grocery store)
• A ball of mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Basil Pesto Sauce

Spread the pesto sauce on the bread and pile all the ingredients listed above to taste.  I use only a few strips of roasted red peppers to add flavor, but if you really like the taste, you can add more.

Last night, I served this dish with macaroni and cheese.  It was a hit!

Chicken Panini with Macaroni and Cheese

I cooked regular, cheap macaroni and added a cream sauce I found a Wegman's, but I imagine that any macaroni and cheese side will do.