Cookin for My Hubby

I'm really lucky to have a husband that supports me and my decisions, and takes interest in my health and nutrition.  I encourage him as much as possible to make healthy and wise choices, but I never demand anything of him.  He has made huge strides since we first met, but we still have some differences in how we eat.  And I'm ok with that.  He's more of a simple guy when it comes to food, and I can tend to get a bit crazy.  But we've found a system that works for us.  He tries some of my vegan dishes, and I make him healthy meals, but sometimes he enjoys burgers and fries, and every once in a while I splurge on pizza with him.  And at times, we eat different things.  So this is a meal I made for him the other night adapted from Kraft Foods Recipe.

Creamy Penne Pasta w/ Chicken & Broccoli

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups uncooked penne--I used Barilla Plus Pasta

4 cups broccoli florets

3 TBS. Light Italian Dressing

1 13 oz. can premium chunk chicken breast in water (a short-cut, you can use regular chicken.  2 chicken breasts.)

1/4 red bell pepper, chopped

1-2 TBS. minced garlic

1 26.5 jar of tomato sauce (I usually look for one with all natural ingredients and a low amount of sugar)

4 oz. Better than Cream Cheese Tofutti Herbs and Chives (you can use regular-reduced fat)

Parmesan Cheese for Garnish

Directions:

Cook pasta as directed on box.  Add broccoli florets to the cooking pasta in the last 3 minutes.  

Meanwhile, heat dressing in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat.  Add chicken, bell pepper and garlic, cook till heated. (or cook chicken fully if using regular chicken breasts.)

Drain pasta and broccoli in colander; return to pan and set aside.  

Add pasta sauce and cream cheese to chicken in skillet; cook till cream cheese is completely melted. 

Next add pasta and broccoli to skillet with everything else, stirring until everything is well coated.  

Serve and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  

Enjoy!  Jordan loved it so much, and thought it was a perfect blend of flavors.