Chicken, Artichoke & Parmesan Baked Penne |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 10 |
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This is a great entree to serve to a crowd. It combines popular ingredients that everyone loves. You can assemble this dish a day in advance and bake it the next day. Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch pieces |
1 1/2 teaspoons salt |
1/4 teaspoon pepper |
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms |
2 tablespoons minced garlic |
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme |
1 teaspoon dried oregano |
1/8 teaspoon cayenne |
6 tablespoons flour |
5 cups milk |
1 lb dry penne pasta |
1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olive |
1 (13 3/4 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped |
1/3 cup chopped green onion |
1 cup grated parmesan cheese |
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375*F. Lightly butter or spray a 9 by 13 inch baking pan or deep baking dish.
2. In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper and saute for about 3 minutes, until the chicken turns opague. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms are limp. Add the garlic, herbs and cayenne and stir for about 20 seconds; do not let the garlic brown. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Immediately add the milk, stirring vigorously with a whisk. Bring to a simmer and whisk occasionally until the sauce is thickened, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce can be made 2 days ahead. Cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain well.
4. In a very large bowl, mix together the pasta and sauce. Fold in the olives, artichoke hearts, green onions, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan and the grated Mozzarella until well combined. Place the mixture in the prepared dish.
5. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through, the sides are slightly bubbling and the top is golden brown.
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