Calico Chicken and Penne

Lvs2Cook's Note:

A yummy recipe that is quick and easy to get on the table.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 8 ounces uncooked dry penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts , strips
• 1 small green bell pepper , cut into thin strips
• 1 small onion , sliced
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ lb thick sliced deli ham or ¼ lb smoked turkey , cut into strips
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 6 roma tomatoes , thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in 12-inch skillet until sizzling; add chicken strips. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink (5 to 7 minutes). Add green pepper and onion. Cover; continue cooking until vegetables are crisply tender (5 to 7 minutes).
3. Add cooked pasta, whipping cream and ham. Cover; continue cooking until heated through (3 to 5 minutes). Stir in cheese, tomatoes, salt and pepper.

Reviews

[Denise!]

I can't believe I haven't rated this, we love this dish. I do use Smart Balance and fat free half & half, but that is the only changes I make. Great dish, love the smoky ham combined with the tomato and peppers.

[blisstir]

Oh my goodness! My hubby about flipped when he tasted this. He gave it 2nd place (only to lasanga) and quickly ate up a 2nd and 3rd helping. I did make a few changes: I added red and yellow bell peppers, I used poultry seasoning and salt and pepper while chicken simmered, and I used 1 cup non-fat evaporated milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch instead of the cream. Fantastic!

[NcMysteryShopper]

I made this for our very picky 4 year old and was quite pleased that he ate all that I gave him. I did add some small broccoli trees and had to use bow-tie noodles because that was all I had on hand. Thank you for a super quick and easy meal!