Chicken, Artichoke & Parmesan Baked Penne

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 5 cups milk
• 1 lb dry penne pasta
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olive
• 1 (13 3/4 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped green onion
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Recipe

• 1 preheat the oven to 375*f. lightly butter or spray a 9 by 13 inch baking pan or deep baking dish.
• 2 in a large heavy skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium high heat. add the chicken pieces. season with salt and pepper and saute for about 3 minutes, until the chicken turns opague. add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms are limp. add the garlic, herbs and cayenne and stir for about 20 seconds; do not let the garlic brown. stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. immediately add the milk, stirring vigorously with a whisk. bring to a simmer and whisk occasionally until the sauce is thickened, about 6 to 7 minutes. remove from heat and set aside. the sauce can be made 2 days ahead. cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate.
• 3 meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions. drain well.
• 4 in a very large bowl, mix together the pasta and sauce. fold in the olives, artichoke hearts, green onions, 3/4 cup of the parmesan and the grated mozzarella until well combined. place the mixture in the prepared dish.
• 5 sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through, the sides are slightly bubbling and the top is golden brown.