Chicken Pesto Penne

This is one of my favorite recipes because it is fast, easy and delicious!  My mom introduced this recipe to me and I have kept it the same (for the most part) and make it all the time.

Recipe: (serves 4-6)

1 lb of chicken breasts 

1/2 cup of half and half

1 lb of whole wheat penne pasta

1/3 cup of pesto 

15-20 grape size tomatoes 

1/3 cup parmesan

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

black pepper

salt

Wash and cut the chicken breasts (blood and fat) and place on a baking sheet.  Salt and pepper only one side (my mom always says only one side)

and bake for 10-15 minutes at 375.

Start boiling some water for the penne and add the pasta right away.

Meanwhile take a large frying pan and turn the heat to medium and pour the half and half in the pan.

It will start bubbling, which is good, just keep stirring the sauce so it thickens (about 3-5 minutes) and then add the pesto. Continue stirring.

Once the chicken is done place on a cutting board and cube it (eatable pieces) and add it to the pesto sauce and coat the chicken with the sauce.

Turn the heat to low and keep on eye on the sauce while you cut the tomatoes into halves.  

Once the penne is done, add it along with the tomatoes to the sauce and mix together.  Sprinkle most of the parmesan on and mix a little more.

Add the garlic powder and red pepper flakes and serve in a large bowl!  Use remaining parmesan for garnish.

Serve with a good bread (french or multi-grain)

and some sautéed zucchini.