What will 2023 bring to us? Always with the start of a new year, it's a question that I always wonder. Is it something you ask yourself? Are you a planner or a 'fly by the seat of your pants' person? I try to be a planner but, well, you know, life throws those curve balls that even with the best intentions, it's good to be a bit of both! This year, I'm hoping for lots of good recipes, sunny days and happy memories - pretty simplistic but small things can have big results. So Happy New Year to you all!
Now, let's get to the recipe. This is a recipe that I found at the grocery store on one of those rip off sheets attached to the shelf (not sure if they even do that anymore). It's one that you could make the chicken part ahead if you're into meal prepping and just cook the pasta and add in the cheese when you're ready to serve it. The flavours are excellent, blending together perfectly. The one little weird part is the balsamic vinegar, which, hmmm, wasn't sure - but let me tell you, don't be afraid. It gives a beautiful brightness to the dish that you don't want to miss.
Here we go. . .
Chicken and Mushroom Penne Pasta
Mix together and set aside 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 c. chicken broth (I use low sodium or homemade if I have it) 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
In a large fry pan over medium heat cook until crisp 6 slices bacon cut into 1" pieces. Remove from heat and put onto paper towel to drain. Reserve the drippings in a small bowl.
Add about a tbsp. of bacon fat in fry pan and add in 675 g. chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning - about 1 1/2 tsp. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Remove from fry pan into a bowl.
Add bacon drippings into the fry pan and add in 340 g. sliced fresh mushrooms, cooking for a few minutes
Add back into the pan, Chicken Bacon and broth mixture Cooking until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked thru, about 10 minutes.
While that is cooking, make your pasta as directed on the package 2 1/2 uncooked penne pasta
Drain pasta and add to the skillet
Add in 1/4 -1/2 c. mozza cheese
Mix together and serve with a nice salad and some good bread.
