Skip to main content

Spicy chicken and brocculi pasta

 
Veggies & Pasta
16 oz. of Whole Wheat Penne Pasta (always cook al dente in salt water according to pkg directions)
2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut in 1″ cubes
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
½ c. Onion, diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Yellow Bell Pepper, long thin slices (mom uses red, yellow and orange…)
1 c. Broccoli florets
1 c. Asparagus, chopped in 1″ pieces
1 c. Grape tomatoes

 
Cook your pasta and let it drain.  (tip: I always add a bit of olive oil to my pasta water during cooking so the noodles don’t stick together). Sprinkle the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until done and golden on all sides. Remove and let rest in a large bowl.
Add the remaining olive oil and begin sauteing the onions for 2 min. Add in the garlic and bell pepper and saute another 2 mins. Then toss in any other woody veggies  (broccoli, asparagus) saving the tomatoes until the very end.
When everything is cooked, combine the veggies with the chicken in your big bowl. (I’m all about reducing dishes here) Now its time for the sauce!


Spicy Cream Sauce
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour (I used whole wheat)
2 c. half & half
1/4 tsp. of red pepper flakes
1 c. Feta cheese (mom uses Parmesan)
In the same pan you cooked the chicken and veggies in, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the flour and stir, cooking 1-2 minutes.  (We are making a roux)
Slowly add in the half and half while stirring to prevent any clumps from forming.  Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and allow to simmer until you see boiling action.  Stir periodically.
When your sauce begins to thicken and bubble, turn off the heat and add in your cheese. Stir until melty (yes that’s a technical term).
To assemble everything I like to add the pasta first so it gets nice and coated with sauce and then pour the rest of the goodies in. (see photo above). This makes enough for 4 people

Comments

Manisha said…
Hi Mable!

The pasta looks delicious!
Could you please elaborate/specify what is 'half and half' that you've used in the sauce?
Thanks!
Manisha
Mable said…
Hi Manisha!

I'm sorry, I forgot to add cream.
It is 12% fat cream. You can find it here: http://www.food.com/library/half-and-half-445

Popular posts from this blog

Twice-Baked Potatoes in a Dish and Potato Skins

9 medium russet potatoes 4 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 4 tablespoons butter 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt  1/4 teaspoon pepper   1/4 to 1/2 cup milk (if potatoes are too thick) 1 jar bacon bits, or a half pound of bacon, fried and cut into bits, or cut into bits and fried 2 1/2 to 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese canola oil to fry in sour cream, if desired 3 green onions, sliced

Bacon Wrapped Apple BBQ Chicken

Ingredients 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts 4 slices bacon 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store bought) 2 large apples, peeled and cur into small pieces 2 tablespoons lemon juice