Cookin' It Up In Texas: Quick Skillet Chicken Dinner

This is one of those meals that help with leftovers or clean out the fridge time! Of course, you don't want it to taste like it and this doesn't disappoint. I had leftover baked chicken and had a nice sized breast left over. You could also buy a rotisserie at the grocery store, or whatever chicken you would like to use, just bake or grill it, cut it up diced style. Veggies, whatever you have laying around, I had some broccoli and red peppers. Pasta, anything goes! I used spaghetti, but bow-tie, penne or corkscrew would work well for this dish also. This meal will remind you of those quick frozen skillet meals. Just as quick too! Tastes better and you know everything that's in it!

Ingredients:

1 cut up and diced chicken breast, or whatever chicken you prefer
10 ounces spaghetti
1 cup frozen broccoli
1/2 red bell pepper cut into strips
1 large clove of shallot minced
1 large clove garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 stick of butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan

First off, boil the water for pasta in a large pot. Once boiling, add pasta. Once this returns to a boil add frozen broccoli. Boil according to pasta directions.

While pasta is boiling prepare to make the béchamel cream sauce.
In a large and deep skillet add olive oil. Don't turn the heat on just yet. Measure out the flour and heavy cream in separate containers. Set aside. Make sure all of the veggies are cut and ready. Have chicken ready. Measure out parmesan and set aside.

Heat the oil on medium heat. Once heated, add shallots and red peppers. Saute until just browning. Add garlic and sauté to mix. Push all veggies to side of pan and add half stick of butter to cleared area. Stir with a wire whisk taking care to keep veggies to side. Add flour. Stir until the bubbles go down, about a minute or two. Add heavy cream, salt and pepper. Stir well. Once you see sauce has thickened turn heat down to low and add parmesan, mixing well. Add chicken, give it a good stir.

By now, your pasta should be done. Drain pasta broccoli mixture and add to sauce. Give it all a good mix and its done! Top with additional parmesan if you like.