Light & Creamy Pasta Chicken & Vegetables

I admit, when looking for new recipes, I am often swayed by the pictures of the recipe much more so than I am by the actual recipe. I think I am a pretty good cook, and I think a lot of my recipes are better than some of the recipes I find. Last night, when it came time to making dinner, I thought I had found this new twist for a chicken and pasta dish, based on the picture. It looked so good and festive. But once I read the recipe, I realized I make this all the time, only better. I still followed the recipe, for the most part, and it was still very good. It just wasn’t a new recipe like I had hoped.

Another positive is that it is a lighter, slightly healthier version of a rich cream sauce. The only major difference between this new recipe and my own is that it adds chicken broth to the sauce, which indeed definitely lightens it up. For calorie counters and people who don’t like things so rich and creamy, this is a good thing. And I definitely DO need to start lightening things up in a major way. I also tend to add more vegetables and heat as well. And sure enough, I did both this time too.

What really inspired this dish was Larry had the smoker going again, and had smoked up some beautiful chicken. I have no idea what he used as his rub. He claims it is a secret.

Light & Creamy Pasta with Chicken & Vegetables

1 lb cooked pasta of your choice

1- 1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken

8 oz sliced mushrooms

1 onion, diced small

1 TBSP garlic

1 red bell pepper, diced small

1 cup corn

1 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

salt & pepper to taste

3/4 cup shredded or grated Parmigiano cheese

salt & pepper to taste

1 tsp dried thyme and/or marjoram or 1 TBSP fresh, chopped

olive oil and/or red pepper olive oil for cooking

Get a large skillet very hot, then add the oil(s), vegetables and seasonings. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Larry wanted corn, so we added corn. We both love corn anyway, so that is a no-brainer. I always add stuff to my stuff. 🙂

Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for an additional 5 or so minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the Parmigiano cheese and mix together thoroughly. Mix in the chicken and re-adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve it over pasta and top with chopped parsley.

I served it with a little bread and a dry, oaky chardonnay on the side to complete the meal. The acidity of a dry white wine will help cut and break down the fats from the sauce.

!Mangia! !Buon Appetito!

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stat safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.