If There's Confetti, It Must Be a Party

It's been weeks since I've posted a recipe, for the simple reason that I haven't had anything really delicious since then!  Kinda sad, but true.  Sure, I've had some decent meals, even some good meals, but I don't waste time on mediocre food.  If it's not great, it's off the menu.  There are way too many good looking recipes out there to bother remaking a bad one.  Now, granted, this recipe will probably not appeal to everyone, like picky children who don't like anything recognizably plant-based.  But if you like fresh, bright veggies, yummy pasta, and creamy sauce, this recipe is a party in a pot - confetti included! 

Confetti Chicken Pasta
link to original recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Serves 6

16 oz penne pasta (I like the tri-color)
2 Tbs olive oil, divided
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
½ cup. onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup asparagus, chopped in 1″ pieces
1 cups grape tomatoes
3 Tbs butter
3 Tbs flour
3 cups half and half
1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan

Cook pasta and let it drain. Meanwhile, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbs oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until done and golden on all sides. Remove and let rest in a large bowl.

Add the remaining olive oil and saute the onions for 2 minutes. Add in the garlic and bell pepper and saute another 2 minutes. Then toss in broccoli and asparagus, cooking for 2 more minutes.  Save the tomatoes until the very end.  When everything is cooked, combine the veggies with the chicken in your big bowl.

In a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the flour and stir, cooking 1-2 minutes.   Slowly add in the half and half while stirring to prevent any clumps from forming.  Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and allow to simmer until you see boiling action.  Stir periodically.  When your sauce begins to thicken and bubble, turn off the heat and add in your cheese. Stir until melted.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Pour sauce over pasta mixture and toss to coat.

726 calories per serving.  Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!