Mediterranean Chicken & Pasta Skillet - Quick & Easy

What does your skillet, stove-top burner, and favorite 'big spoon' give you? A solution to quick and easy cooking, and an escape from a sink full of grimy pots and pans. As a mother of two energetic teenagers, elementary school aide in Nevada's Carson Valley, and wife to a super-supportive husband who comes with one minor glitch – he's useless in the kitchen; I often turn to quick and easy weeknight dinner solutions. A "Quick Fix Meal" favorite in our home is Mediterranean Chicken & Pasta Skillet. My own culinary creation - A collection of the best flavors from several different skillet recipes. It's fast, easy and delicious - Perfect for the busy mom!

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb boneless skinless chicken breast (Cut into bite-size pieces)
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 2  cups sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (Roughly chopped)
• 1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas (Drained & rinsed)
• 1  cup black olives (Sliced)
• 1⁄2 cup pesto sauce (More or less to taste)
• 2  cups ziti pasta (Cooked per label directions & drained)
• 8  ounces mozzarella cheese (Shredded, divided)
•  red pepper flakes (To taste or Optional) (optional)
•  flat-leaf Italian parsley (Garnish, roughly chopped)

Directions

1. Heat oil in wide skillet.
2. Add chicken and saute' over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, olives, pesto, and cooked ziti. Cook until ingredients are heated through.
4. Remove from heat and gently stir in 1/2 of the Mozzarella. Sprinkle with the remaining; cover pan. Let stand for 2 or 3 minutes - Until the cheese is melted.
5. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
6. Garnish with parsley just before serving.
7. Serve family-style - Straight from the skillet.
8. Cook's Tips: (1) Add asparagus to this "Quick Fix Meal" with great results. (2) To get the best results from your skillet, be sure to stir often and thoroughly.