Creamy One Pot Pasta

mom2Tess's Note:

A delish recipe from the Pampered Chef! (Hence the references to various Pampered Chef Products) Since I don't have the recipe book, I'm going to put it on Recipezaar for safekeeping. Please comment if Prep/Cook times are incorrect. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 (7 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, undrained
• 3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth (5 1/4 cups)
• 1 lb uncooked penne pasta
• 1 head broccoli (2 cups small florets)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled
• 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchà tel)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• snipped fresh basil (optional)

Directions:

1. Thinly slice garlic using Color Coated Paring Knife. Place garlic and 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes into (8-qt.) Stockpot.
2. Cook garlic over medium heat 2-3 minutes or until garlic is golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat; add broth. Return to burner; increase heat to high.
4. Cover and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta; cover and simmer vigorously 8-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally using Mega Scraper.
5. Meanwhile, cut broccoli into small florets; place into Classic Batter Bowl. Cut carrots in half lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise on a bias using Santoku Knife.
6. Drain sun-dried tomatoes; pat dry with a paper towel. Slice tomatoes into thin strips. Add carrots and tomatoes to batter bowl.
7. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Add vegetables, cream cheese, salt and black pepper to Stockpot.
8. Stir until cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook an additional 2-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
9. Serve immediately in Simple Additions Dots Large Round Bowl.
10. If desired, top with grated fresh Parmesan cheese and snipped fresh basil.