Herb-Glazed Cornish Hens with Pasta Recipe

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a 2-inch deep baking pan with nonstick foil.

Rinse the game hens with cold water and split them in half down the breastbone and back into 4 halves. Pat dry and rub both sides with the browning sauce.

Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Spread mixture evenly over split Cornish hens and place in prepared baking pan with skin side up. Wash hands.

Bake for 30 minutes.

While Cornish hens are baking, place butter, parsley, garlic , sun-dried tomatoes , Parmesan cheese , salt , oregano , basil , thyme , and pepper in a heavy-duty blender or food processor . Blend on high until parsley is minced. Transfer to a bowl and stir well. Divide the mixture in half.

When the game hens have cooked for 30 minutes, remove them from the oven and brush with half of the herb mixture. Return to the oven and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until nicely browned. Check Cornish hens for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should read 170 degrees F.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Scoop out and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Toss pasta with the remaining half of the herb mixture and the 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.

To serve, arrange herbed pasta on plates and top with Cornish game hen halves. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly.

Yield: 4 servings Herb-Glazed Cornish Hens with Pasta Recipe Photo © 2011 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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