Chicken Parm Pasta Recipe

 

Serves 6

Recipe Ingredients:

 

1 pound whole wheat penne pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes (the type that comes already seasoned with garlic, basil, and oregano)

1 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese, grated

3 tablespoons parmesan cheese

5-6 fresh basil leaves

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1 slice whole wheat bread (torn into small pieces)

1 pint of cherry tomatoes

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

 

Directions:

 

1. Cook penne pasta for 8 minutes or until al dente. Then drain and set aside.

2. In a skillet sprayed with cooking spray cook the chicken pieces for 5 minutes on high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper then turn the heat down to medium and add the onion and garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes and the cherry tomatoes to the chicken mixture. Then add the red pepper flakes and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Then add the penne to the chicken and tomato sauce and mix well. Then pour mixture into a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and top with the grated mozzarella cheese.

4. In a food processor place the slice of bread, parmesan cheese, and the basil leaves and pulse into bread crumbs. Then pour these breadcrumbs over the pasta in the baking dish.

5. Place baking dish under broiler for 4-5 minutes so the cheese can melt and the breadcrumbs can toast.