Pasta with Chicken Surprise

Makes 4 servings

A Mediterranean classic, this recipe should be a staple in every house. The penne pasta is the right shape to soak up and hold those extra juices, plus the bacon and green beans bring an ordinary chicken breast to the next level. A quick meal to assemble, this recipe leaves plenty of room for improvisation: throw in any of your favorite vegetables—peppers, tomatoes, carrots, whatever! This extremely versatile dish can be changed; however you please, making it a perfect dinner for any day of the week.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. penne pasta
8 oz. green beans, cut in half
4 slices bacon
2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 large egg yolk
1 cup half-and-half cream
5 oz. rinsed fresh baby spinach
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
4 tomatoes, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions, adding the green beans to the pot at the last minute. Scoop out ½ cup of the cooking water and set aside; then drain the pasta and green beans and return them to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble into pieces. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings and return the pan to medium heat.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring once, until golden and thoroughly cooked, 6–8 minutes; remove from the heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and the half-and-half. Toss the egg mixture with pasta and green beans, then fold in the chicken, spinach, Parmesan and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat and add the remaining ¼ cup of pasta water, if necessary. Top with the bacon and tomatoes and serve immediately.

NUTRITION • PER ONE SERVING

Calories 980
Total Fat 44g (56%)
Saturated Fat 12.18g (61%)
Trans Fat 0.305g
Total Carbohydrate 82g (30%)
Dietary Fiber 13g (46%)
Total Sugars 8g
Includes 0g
Added Sugars (0%)
Cholesterol 220mg (73%)
Sodium 480mg (21%)
Protein 65g (130%)
Vitamin D 2mcg (10%)
Calcium 229mg (20%)
Iron 4.76mg (25%)
Potassium 1606mg (35%)
Phosphorus (70%)

This AMAZING Recipe can be found in my Mediterranean Meals on a Budget cookbook here