Lemony Asparagus and Chicken with Penne

Lemony Asparagus and Chicken with Penne
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Lemony Asparagus and Chicken with Penne
Print Recipe
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Toss the chicken with the lemon pepper seasoning. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes or so. The chicken should be light golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve. Leave the drippings in the pan.
  3. Add the onions to the pan and saute for 3 minutes or until the onions begin to become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so.
  4. While you prepare the vegetables, cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain and set aside.
  5. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for 3 - 4 minutes. Toss frequently to insure even cooking. Add a little chicken broth if things seem dry.
  6. Add the vermouth (or broth) and the juice of the lemon to the pan. Lower the heat slightly and allow to cook for 3 minutes or so.
  7. Add the Italian seasoning and the lemon zest, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the pan. Toss to mix evenly.
  8. Add the olives, tomatoes, and pasta to the pan and continue to cook 3 minutes or so until everything is heated through. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl and sprinkle with the feta cheese and serve.
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Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

DIGITAL CAMERASpinach Artichoke Dip has become an iconic appetizer. You can find it at most gatherings, lots of restaurants, and pre-made in the grocery store. Most everyone loves the creamy, garlicy flavor that has just enough vegetables to make it slightly less guilt producing. Spinach and artichoke have an affinity that makes them work so well in this dip, but they happily go hand in hand in lots of other dishes.

I’ve used this dynamic duo in lots of different ways. Pasta sauces and stuffings have benefited from the joining of the thistle and the green. I’ve shared a recipe here awhile back for a tasty Spinach and Artichoke Soup (check it out on the RECIPE page; search Spinach Artichoke Soup) that pays homage to the dip.DIGITAL CAMERAThe following recipe is another riff on the dip. It even features a creamy sauce. DIGITAL CAMERAThings began with frozen chopped spinach, canned artichoke hearts, and chicken breast tenders. The pantry/freezer lightened their load a little bit more which is a major focus right now. I used the kind of pizza dough that comes in a can, but fresh or home-made would be wonderful. 
DIGITAL CAMERASo the main ingredients were ready to become pizza. The chicken was browned in a little olive oil. The spinach and artichokes sautéed with a hearty dose of garlic. Light cream cheese thinned with a little fat-free half & half and flavored with Italian herb blend became the sauce.

The weather almost demanded that the pizza be cooked on the grill, so of course I complied.DIGITAL CAMERAThe result was crisp tasty pizza with just a hint of smokey goodness. This would be equally delicious baked in the oven as mini pizzas or one large one.DIGITAL CAMERAGive this recipe a try.

Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
Print Recipe
Servings
4
Servings
4
Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
Print Recipe
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Toss the chicken bits with the Mrs Dash blend. Place in a zip top bag and allow to marinate in the refrigerator over night.
  2. When you are ready to prepare the pizza, remove the chicken from the frig. Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook until it is golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving the drippings. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or so until it begins to become fragrant.
  4. Add the artichokes and spinach to the pan and continue to cook for 4 - 5 minutes. When everything looks blissful, remove the mixture from the pan.
  5. Stir the cream cheese and half & hlaf together in a small bowl. Add the Italian Herb grinder blend and stir to combine.
  6. Open the pizza dough and allow it to rest for 10 minutes or so. Cut in 4 pieces and stretch slightly to an even thickness on a mat that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Spray both sides of the dough lightly as well.
  7. On the upper rack of a hot grill lay the dough pieces leaving room between each. Cook 3 minutes until lightly browned and marked. Turn and grill 2 minutes more. Remove from grill and lay on large baking sheet, browner side up.
  8. Divide the cream cheese mixture among the four dough pieces. Spread evenly almost to the edges.
  9. Top each pizza with the Spinach/Artichoke mixture and sprinkle the chicken on top. Add the cheese blend to the pizzas along with drizzle of olive oil.
  10. Place the pizzas back on the grill (top rack if you have one). Put the lid down and cook for 3 minutes. Check the pizzas and move them around to help them cook evenly.
  11. Continue to cook, moving around as needed. the cheese should be melted and the bottom crust deeply marked but not burned.
  12. Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and a dusting of red pepper flakes if you dare and serve.
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Penne with Asparagus, Gorgonzola and Prosciutto

Penne with Asparagus, Gorgonzola and Prosciutto
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Penne with Asparagus, Gorgonzola and Prosciutto
Print Recipe
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to the package directions, cooking one minute less than directed. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.
  2. In a large fry pan, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and brown stirring often, 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the onions to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and asparagus and cook for 3 minutes more. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Add about a 1/2 cup of the broth to the pan and stir to loosen any brown bits. Add about another 3/4 cup of the broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts into the broth. Add half of the gorgonzola to the pan and stir until it melts in.
  6. Return the chicken, and vegetables to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook over low heat for several minutes. Add about half of the prosciutto to the pan.
  7. Drain the pasta and add to the pan. Toss to mix everything together and cook for a minute or two. If the sauce seems too tight, add a little more chicken broth until the desired consistency.
  8. Serve in shallow bowls topped with the remaining cheese and prosciutto and a sprinkling of the toasted walnuts and a few grinds of black pepper.
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