Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

I just had to share the amazing meal I cooked last night. I got the recipe from my friend, Summer and it was definitely a crowd pleaser. Greg even commented that it tasted like a similar dish he eats at Johnny Carino's Italian Restaurant. Enjoy!

• 1 1/2 c. cooked, diced or shredded Chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for an ever easier meal)


• 1 c. crumbled, cooked bacon (for the top)


• 1 diced Roma Tomato (for the top)


• 5-6 stalks of cooked, tender Asparagus (for the top)


• 1 c. grated Parmesan Cheese and additional for the top


• Pasta...your families favorite (I used whole wheat bowtie pasta)

Sauce:

• 1 c. milk


• 1 c. chicken broth


• 1 c. whipping cream


• 1 c. grated cheddar cheese


• 1 c. Parmesan cheese


• 2 TBS butter 2 TBS flour


• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder


• 1/4 tsp. onion powder


• a few sprinkles of Red pepper flakes (opt.)


• 1 tsp. white sugar


• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper

1. Fry bacon until crispy, place on Paper towels and set aside.


2. Chop or shred the Chicken Breasts, chop tomato, and chop tender cooked Asparagus. (If you don’t care for Asparagus, you could use Broccoli or any vegetable your family likes, or just leave it out entirely)


3. Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 2 tablespoons flour, seasonings, sugar and whisk together with the butter until bubbly.


4. Continue whisking, and slowly add the milk, cream and the chicken broth. Whisk Constantly, so that you don’t get any lumps. You want your sauce to be nice and smooth. Keep whisking until the sauce has thickened.


5. Turn heat to low, and add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Once melted and mixed thoroughly, turn your heat to the lowest temperature and cover.


6. Add chicken to the sauce.


7. Prepare your pasta until al dente. Drain well.


8. Plate the pasta, and serve the sauce over the top.


9. Crumble your bacon on top of the sauce, and also top with Asparagus, tomatoes and more grated Parmesan Cheese. Or you can just combine the pasta, sauce and all the toppings together (that's what I did).

*This also warms up nicely the next day. Just mix any left over Pasta in with the sauce, and keep in well sealed container. Just heat in skillet, but don’t let the sauce boil!