Creamy Garlic Penne and Broccoli

Ingredients

8 clove garlic, peeled

3 cup broccoli, cut into small florets

6 oz penne pasta

2 cup evaporated skim milk

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp all-purpose flour

1 1⁄2 oz reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

1 1⁄2 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1⁄2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1⁄4 salt

Instructions

Cook garlic in a large pot of boiling water for 3 minutes until softened. Remove garlic, mince, and set aside.

In the same pot of boiling water, cook broccoli for 3 minutes until bright green and just softened. Remove from water and set aside.

In the same pot of boiling water, cook penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, discard liquid, and set aside.

Whisk together milk and flour in large nonstick skillet until the flour is dissolved. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and has thickened. Stir in minced garlic. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheeses are melted. Mix in cooked broccoli and penne pasta. Cook, stirring frequently, just until heated through.

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

·         1 cup mayonnaise

·         ⅓ cup sour cream

·         1 large clove garlic, pressed

·         2 tablespoons lemon juice

·         2 anchovies, finely minced

·         1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

·         1 pound penne pasta, cooked until al dente and rinsed with cool water

·         6 large leaves Romaine lettuce, thinly sliced

·         1½ cups grape tomatoes

·         4 green onions. green parts sliced

·         ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

·         ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

·         2 grilled chicken breasts, diced

·         1½ cups croutons

Instructions:

1.    In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise through the Worcestershire sauce.

2.    Toss half of the dressing with the pasta and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3.    Mix in remaining ingredients including the remaining dressing and serve.

*I like to mix half of the dressing with the pasta and chill it and then mix in the remaining dressing just before serving, but you can do it all at once.
Be sure to salt your cooking water for the pasta well, at least 1 tablespoon of salt.
Anchovies can be omitted. You might want to double the Worcestershire sauce if you do.

Enjoy it!

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