Mediterranean Penne with Roasted Chicken Feta And Pine Nuts – This Mediterranean inspired dish is a stove top casserole. On those hot days, or when I’m in a hurry, I often grab penne pasta and pesto. Not only do we really enjoy the flavors in this dish, it comes together so easily and it’s a nice change from a simple marinara sauce. Taking advantage of left over roasted chicken or a deli rotisserie chicken, I can have dinner ready and on the table in less than 20 minutes and, that makes me very happy!
Mediterranean Penne with Roasted Chicken, Feta and Pine Nuts
Servings 4 -6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz dry penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups half & half
- 4 oz sun dried tomato pesto [I used Classico]
- 1/2 tsp each garlic powder onion powder, coarse sea salt, red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp Mediterranean seasoning [I used McCormick Perfect Pinch Mediterranean Herb]
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes rinsed
- 1 [13.75 oz] can artichoke hearts chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 oz crumbled feta
- 3 cups chopped roasted chicken
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- In a large pot cook the pasta in salted water per the package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Whip together the half & half, pesto and seasonings. Add to the pasta pot.
- Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the sun dried tomatoes and the artichoke hearts simmering until heated through.
- Add the Parmesan and feta cheese reserving a few feta crumbles for garnishing.
- Add the cooked pasta back to the pot along with the chicken and olives. Stir well to make sure the ingredients are completely coated with the sauce.
- Mix in the chopped basil.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts for serving.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
To toast the pine nuts, arrange them on a baking sheet and place into a 350°F oven. Roast for 6-7 minutes.
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