Penne Pasta with a Lightened-up Parmesan Cream Sauce

Penne Pasta with a Lightened-up Parmesan Cream Sauce

  Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta, measured when dry
• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup packed baby spinach
• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (I used 1%)
• 5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
•  1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, chop the chicken breast into small pieces and sprinkle the pieces with salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash chicken grilling blends or similar, to taste. I used some cooked chicken I already had.
3. Lightly coat your skillet with 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil.
4. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken in the skillet and then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
5. As the chicken cooks, stir the pieces occasionally so they brown evenly. If any of the pieces start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. To prepare the sauce, combine the olive oil, butter, and minced garlic in a medium sized pan over medium to low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, whisk in the flour until a thick mixture has been created. Slowly add in the chicken broth and then slowly add in the milk. Increase the heat and allow the mixture to get to a boiling point and then reduce and allow to simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped mushrooms with the sauce and stir for one more minute.
7. Add the cooked chicken, spinach, and tomatoes to the bowl with the pasta.
8. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and stir until combined.
9. Sprinkle the extra cheese on top, adding more or less to personal preference.
10. Serve immediately.