Penne Primavera

This recipe is a throwback to my childhood.  When I was a little girl, my parents would have date night a couple of times a year and my brother and I would spend the night at my grandparent's house.  My Grandma wasn't much of a cook, think mayonnaise and ritz crackers on pretty much everything she made, so she would take us to the Rainbow Market and let us pick out a TV dinner.  This was pretty much the only time we ever ate TV dinners, so it was a pretty special event.  I would always choose the Marie Calendar's Primavera Alfredo and my brother always chose Salisbury Steak.  It's been years since my grandma passed away, and even longer than that since I've eaten a TV dinner, but once in a while I still crave the comfort of Primavera Alfredo.  This recipe is almost as simple as reheating a TV dinner, but soooo much better and more satisfying.  I hope it brings you the same comfort it brings me!  Enjoy!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:
1lb of penne pasta (or any pasta you have on hand)
2 cups of mixed vegetables (I used bell peppers, asparagus & broccoli)
1 cooked skinless chicken breast, diced (I used a rotisserie chicken)
1- 5.2oz garlic cheese round (such as Boursin)
1/2 stick of butter
2oz. cream cheese
1 cup of whole milk
 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsb olive oil
1 tbs Italian Seasoning
fresh parsley for garnish
Shaved Parmesan for garnish

Directions:
Prepare the pasta according to package directions.  While pasta water is heating, place a sauce pan over medium heat and add the butter and boursin cheese.  Whisk until melted and combined.  Stir in the milk and the cream cheese and continue to whisk until smooth.  Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.  Lower heat and keep warm until pasta is cooked.

After preparing the sauce, chop your vegetables into bite sized chunks.  In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.  When hot, add vegetables, chicken & Italian seasoning.  Cover and saute for about 5 minutes.  I like my vegetables to be slightly soft, but still bright in color.

When pasta is al dente, drain and add to the cheese sauce.  Combine and transfer to a serving dish.  Top with the vegetables and chicken.  Garnish with parsley and fresh Parmesan shavings.  Serve immediately.