Spinach and Artichoke Penne with Chicken

So a few weeks ago, D made a recipe from Closet Cooking called Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken.  He views stuffing chicken as a PITA but did it anyway.  We each took a bite, realized the chicken was bad, and had to toss out the entire dinner. We were both bummed because it did taste good, minus the spoiled chicken.  So D said he would make it again, but he would just cut up the chicken and toss everything with penne.

So yesterday that is what he did.  It was basically Spinach and Artichoke Dip served on pasta with some chicken.  It was excellent.  We will have again.

Spinach and Artichoke Penne with Chicken

Photo by ALB

Adapted from Closet Cooking

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients
4 (6 ounce) chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and Pepper to taste
10 ounces spinach, thawed or wilted, squeezed of excess liquid and coarsely chopped
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (used low-fat)
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
salt, pepper and cayenne to taste
1 tablespoon oil (used cooking spray)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
10 oz uncooked Penne

Directions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.

2.  While pasta cooks, heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add cooking spray to pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Add onion, chicken and garlic to pan and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in the artichokes, spinach, cheeses, seasoning and broth; heat through.

3. Drain pasta; toss with chicken mixture.

Yield: 5 servings.

14 Smart Points (my additions/subtractions at 5 servings)