Recipe: Pesto Pasta with Oven-Roasted Chicken

I've said it before and I'll say it again - it's amazing having a herb garden at home. Furthermore, my kids love eating herbs, be it raw (straight from the plant) or used in our cooking.

One of our favorite herbs from the garden is sweet basil, which we love making pesto with. Don't worry though if you do not own a basil plant, you can always get a pack of basil at the supermarket for under RM2 and make this.

Pesto Pasta with Oven-Roasted Chicken

Making pesto is super simple, especially if you are using a food processor. Just place everything in there and blitz until you get a paste. To make our dinner more substantial, we served our pesto pasta with oven-roasted chicken. You can also use a grill pan to cook it, though using the oven would be less messy. We use chicken breast as it's leaner and healthier, but equally delicious!

Pesto pasta is one of my kid's favorite pasta so they were delighted to see this at the dinner time. Loved the marinade for the chicken, making the chicken really tasty and tender. This recipe is a keeper, one I would be making over and over again! :)

Funny pasta-eating faces!

Pesto pasta with oven-roasted chicken
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves 4


Ingredients
2 quantity homemade pesto (recipe here)
300-350g dried spaghetti
Salt and freshly ground pepper

To garnish
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
A handful walnuts
Basil leaves, roughly torn
Extra virgin olive oil

For the chicken
1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tbsp cooking oil

For the marinade
1 clove garlic, crushed to a paste
1 large pinch of salt
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/4 lemon
1 tsp whole cumin seeds, roughly ground
1/2 tsp smoked paprika


1. First, clean the chicken breast and then cut each piece into half lengthwise and crosswise. This will cut down cooking time. Place marinade ingredients in a bowl, and mix well, then rub all over the chicken breasts and leave to marinade for at least 2 hours in the fridge.

2. To make the pesto: please refer to recipe here. You can place all ingredients in a food processor to save time. Once the pesto is ready, set aside in the fridge with a covering of olive oil.

My kids always have fun making pesto at home!

3. For the chicken:
To cook in oven: Preheat oven to 200°C (roast mode). Line the baking tray with foil, and brush lightly with oil. Then place marinated chicken on the tray in a single layer. Roast in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through. Season chicken with more salt, if necessary.

To cook on hob: Alternatively, heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a large grill pan over high heat. Once the pan is hot, place chicken down, and turn heat down to medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts just until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes each side. Season chicken with more salt, if necessary.

4. To prepare the pasta: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water over medium high heat until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and place in a large bowl. Then add the pesto and toss to coat. Add some olive oil (about 1 tbsp) if it seems a little dry.

5. To serve: Using a two-pronged carving fork, swirl some of the pasta around the fork. Slide the pasta off the fork and mound it in the center of a plate. Repeat for each serving.  Cut each chicken breast on a slight diagonal into 6-8 thin slices. Arrange the chicken slices alongside the spaghetti.

6. Garnish with the cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese,  walnuts and torn basil leaves.


(Note: We do like our pasta with lots of pesto, however if you're having this for the first time, try with 1 quantity pesto and gradually add more to your liking).

*I am submitting this to LTU: Noodles/Pasta hosted by Anne of My Bare Cupboard.


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Recipe: Spaghetti pasta with garlic butter prawns, crispy bacon and chilli flakes

Last year, my kids were totally crazy about pasta (having pasta every weekend and weekdays too if they can get away with it)... and it looks like this craze will continue in 2015. Other than crispy bacon, my kids also love prawns hence this pasta dish was born.

It is a combination of the Asian-style "garlic butter prawns" as well as Italian aglio olio pasta - a really fantastic fusion pasta dish, I have to say. For the adults, I also added in some dried chilli flakes for the spicy kick. Absolutely delicious!

The kids love this :)

Spaghetti pasta with garlic butter prawns, crispy bacon and chilli flakes
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves 4


Ingredients
300-350g spaghetti
1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 rashers streaky bacon, finely sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
20 king prawns, peeled and deveined, with tails intact
1-2 tbsp salted butter
1-2 tsp chilli flakes
2-3 stalks parsley, roughly chopped
8-10 sweet basil leaves, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Parmesan cheese, to garnish



1. In a pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti pasta according to pack instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Remove from heat and drain, run under cold water to stop from cooking further.

2. Heat the olive oil in frying pan on medium high heat. Add bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, melt the butter and then add the garlic and cook for another minute until golden brown. Then, add the king prawns and chilli flakes (start with 1 tsp and more if you prefer it spicier), and cook for 1- 1 1/2 minute until the prawns are cooked through. Add the drained pasta, season with salt and pepper as necessary and toss well.

4. Using a two-pronged carving fork, swirl some of the pasta around the fork. Slide the pasta off the fork and mound it in the center of a plate. Repeat for each serving. Top with crispy bacon, prawns as well as parsley and basil. Grate Parmesan cheese all over.

Note: You can omit the chilli flakes in Step 3 if serving to kids, then sprinkle in at the end with cheese for those who want it.

*I am submitting this to LTU: Noodles/Pasta hosted by Anne of My Bare Cupboard.


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Recipe: Spaghetti Pasta with Zucchini, Crispy Bacon & Parmesan

My kids love pasta, so much so that it has become a weekend staple in our home. Their favorite pasta is spaghetti and I am often surprised at how much they can eat.

Scenario #1
Mummy: "Kids, do you want to go out to the mall and eat some nice food?"
Kids: Mummy can we stay home, and can you make us pasta for lunch?

Scenario #2
Mummy: Do you want to go for dim sum today? (Note: They love siew mai)
Kids: Don't want siew mai.... can we have pasta instead.... the one with the bacon, pleaseeeeee?

Scenario #3
Mummy: Do you want mummy to cook something else for a change?
Kids: Nooooooo, we want pasta. Mummy's pasta is the best.

That's basically how it goes every weekend. My kids will request for pasta every weekend. As a mummy, I'm only glad to see them eating well and enjoying their food. :)

Here's the recipe for their (current) favorite pasta, spaghetti with zucchini and bacon. It's one of those pasta dishes that everyone loves. Simple and quick to make too.

Spaghetti pasta with zucchini and bacon
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Serves 4

350g spaghetti pasta
5 streaky bacon (about 125g), sliced thinly
1 zucchini (about 300g), sliced thinly
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan, to garnish
Fresh parsley or basil (optional)


1. In a pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti pasta according to pack instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Remove from heat and drain, run under cold water to stop from cooking further.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok on medium high heat. Add bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Using the same pan, add the garlic and cook for a minute until golden brown. Then, add the zucchini, and cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the drained pasta, season with salt and pepper as necessary and give it a quick stir.

4. Using a two-pronged carving fork, swirl some of the pasta around the fork. Slide the pasta off the fork and mound it in the center of a plate. Repeat for each serving. Top with crispy bacon, as well as parsley and basil (if using). Grate Parmesan cheese all over.

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Simply d, Avenue K, Kuala Lumpur

Over the weekend, we visited Simply d's 3rd and latest outlet in Avenue K shopping mall. Simply d is part of The Delicious Group; a fast-casual cafe/restaurant offering an array of Western and Asian infused pasta, salads, sandwiches and more. They have 2 other outlets in Nu Sentral and The Curve.

The great thing about the menu here is that you can mix-and-match the style and type of noodles you want. For example, you can order the carbonara with linguine, fusilli or even yellow mee (if that's what you like!).

Other styles of noodle/pasta styles available here are: dry tossed sambal, salted egg pumpkin, beef short ribs herbal soup, laksa, Vietnamese salmon pho, teriyaki salmon, creamy seafood marinara, chilli chicken "pastamee", sweet basil & cashewnut pesto, and roasted garlic & sundried tomato aglio olio. These styles can be matched with these types of noodles: linguine, angel hair, fusilli, spaghettini, soba noodles, flat white noodles and yellow mee.

Simply d's menu

The kids chose to have the sweet basil and cashew nut pesto with spaghettini along with the option of adding grilled lamb kofta (RM15). Service is fast here. Great choice by the kids, they really enjoyed the pesto pasta here - Baby D took a couple of mouthfuls and exclaimed "Deeeeeee-licious!". 

The boy who loves pesto 

We also tried the fusilli salted egg pumpkin plus a tea egg for RM13.50. Really like the creamy pumpkin, but would love more salted egg yolk in mine. The tea egg is beautifully runny, could eat two of these!

We also ordered a 100% beef burger (RM13) with coleslaw and tapioca chips. Nice juicy burger and so reasonably priced too. My Hubby would definitely enjoy this.

For desserts, there is a selection of cakes and ice creams. I highly recommend the coconut and pandan cake (RM8) - it's fluffy, soft and luscious. One of the best cakes we've eaten this year. My kids loved it a lot, they finished the slice between them (I only managed a sneaky mouthful). Definitely returning for this. Kids also tried a slice of chocolate and hazelnut brownie (RM9) which was rich and sinful. No problems finishing that too!

Chocolate and hazelnut brownie

By the way, Simply d is also currently running a Instagram contest called #snapmycup. Follow them on Instagram @simplydcafe for more details - but basically you just need to ask for a cup, snap some photos and you'll be in the running to win one of their cool stools. Oh and every participant gets a free coffee.

Simply d at Avenue K

Walked over to the Twin Towers for some photos :)

30% off on total bill from now until 17 Sept at Avenue K and The Curve outlets.


Opening times: 8am to 10pm daily.

Location: Simply d, Avenue K, Concourse Level, Lot C-16A156, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur. (beside H&M Men Department)

Tel: 03 2181 7995

Website: https://www.facebook.com/simplyd.my


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Recipe: Spaghetti with King Prawns, Ebikko and Rocket

"Mummy, can you please cook us pasta for lunch today?" said my two little ones.

Some days, my kids will make special food requests in the mornings and I will make it for them for lunch. I usually just have a rummage through my fridge/freezer to see what ingredients I have to cook with. Luckily for them that day, I had bacon, grey oyster mushrooms, king prawns, ebikko and rocket leaves. And thus this gorgeous pasta dish was born!

Spaghetti with king prawns, ebikko and rocket

My kids choice of pasta is always spaghetti, as they love slurping every strand with gusto. I had a good feeling that they would enjoy this as it combines all their favorite ingredients together. The bacon is first cooked, set aside and sprinkled just before serving so that it remains crispy. The bacon fat/oil is then used to saute the mushrooms and king prawns (can you imagine the yumminess yet?). Once the pasta is plated, ebikko (shrimp roe) is added - I really like the texture and slight saltiness it adds to the dish. And this time, I garnished the pasta dish with some rocket leaves instead of sweet basil, and it worked out really well in terms of flavour. You can finish off the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

I am really happy with this dish, and more so when my kids told me that they loved it and asked for seconds. :) Quick, healthy and delicious.

By the way, 2 more days to our Gordon Ramsay "Cook Like a Star" event. Do join us by cooking your favorite Gordon Ramsay recipes :)

Spaghetti with king prawns, ebikko and rocket
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients
150g spaghetti
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 streaky bacon, sliced
100g grey oyster mushroom, sliced
10 king prawns, peeled and deveined, with tails intact
2-4 tsp ebikko
15g rocket leaves, washed
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Optional topping
Truffle oil
Parmesan cheese


1. In a pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti pasta according to pack instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Remove from heat and drain, run under cold water to stop from cooking further.

2. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in frying pan on medium high heat. Add bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the mushrooms and fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked. Add the king prawns and saute for about 30-45 seconds, until cooked, then add the cooked pasta, drizzle with remaining olive oil and mix thoroughly for about 1 minute, and then season with salt and pepper. Mix in the crispy bacon.

4. Using a two-pronged carving fork, swirl some of the pasta around the fork. Slide the pasta off the fork and mound it in the center of a plate. Repeat for each serving. Spoon 1-2 tsp of ebikko on top of each plate and garnish with rocket leaves. Drizzle with truffle oil and shave Parmesan cheese on top, as desired.

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Recipe: Asparagus Bacon Pasta with Poached Egg and Parmesan

Hurray, one of my favorite vegetables, asparagus is back in season again! I bought a huge bunch from the wet market the other day, so decided to whip up a few different dishes featuring this delicious vegetable. For my first asparagus dish, I made pasta for lunch since my son loves it a lot.

Asparagus Bacon Pasta with Poached Egg & Parmesan

Asparagus are full of vitamins A, B and C, virtually fat-free, and full of fibre and folic acid and is also great for the heart, boosts your immune system and cancer defences, as well as being great for skin, nails and hair. This time, we got the larger asparagus, which have a crunchier bite to them. I decided to saute them with some garlic and serve it with pasta, bacon, Parmesan and poached egg. Just snap or cut off the woody ends and cook the asparagus for a couple of minutes, to keep them tender and sweet.

I made 2 plates - one with and one without the poached egg. The non-egg version was for my little boy, who had a cough. Despite having a cough, he finished his whole plate off pasta with gusto :) I personally prefer the one with the poached egg as the runny egg nicely coats each strand of pasta and gives it a wonderful creaminess. Other than poached egg, you can also substitute with a soft boiled egg (recipe here).

Now you see it, now you don't :D

Asparagus Bacon Pasta with Poached Egg and Parmesan
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients
150g spaghetti
10 stalks asparagus, washed and woody ends trimmed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 rashers streaky bacon, sliced thinly
3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp chicken stock granules
Salt and freshly ground pepper

To garnish
Parmesan, freshly grated
2 eggs, at room temperature (optional)
Parsley, finely chopped
Truffle oil (optional)


1.  Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to pack instructions (al dente should take about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and drain, run under cold water to stop from cooking further.

2. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in frying pan on medium high heat. Add bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the asparagus and fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked. Add the pasta, drizzle with remaining olive oil and mix thoroughly for about 1 minute, and then season with chicken stock granules, salt and pepper. Mix in the crispy bacon.

4. Using a two-pronged carving fork, swirl some of the pasta around the fork. Slide the pasta off the fork and mound it in the center of a plate. Repeat for each serving. If serving with poached or soft boiled egg, place the egg on top of the pasta (in the centre). Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley.

5. For the poached egg, see this whirlpool method, or Delia's method, or clingfilm method. This time, I am using the Delia method - fill a frying pan with 4cm barely simmering water. Break each egg into a cup and lower into the water. Cook for approximately 2 minutes (you will know it's cooked when the egg white has set). Use a slotted spoon to remove. You can also serve this with a soft boiled egg.

6. Serve immediately. Shave Parmesan cheese on top and add a dash of truffle oil to finish.

Note: Please do not discard the asparagus woody ends.Save them in a zip lock bag and place in freezer. See here on what you can do with them.

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*This recipe was featured on Asian Food Channel's FB page on 28 April 2014.