Sissy's Chicken Pomodoro

See, see? I did cook this week! :) It's been a busy week, but on Monday I wanted something gooey and delicious but still semi-healthy. My "sissy," as I call her, also known as my dear friend Andrea, recommended this Chicken Pomodoro recipe. She's served it at dinner parties and said every single time, someone has asked her for the recipe. I added lots of fresh veggies and some water to thin the sauce, but next time I think I'll forgo being healthy and make the recipe as is. The veggies really changed the flavor. Still, quick, easy, spicy and gooey! I liked the spice, but my dinner guest couldn't handle it. (OK, maybe I added more than 1 tsp of the red pepper.) ;)

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp.  crushed red pepper

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 c. broccoli florets

1 green pepper, chopped into large pieces

1/2 c. frozen peas

4 oz.  (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

2 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese

2 Tbsp.  chopped fresh basil

Directions:

Cook the chicken. (I cooked the chicken by baking it in the toaster oven for 30 minutes to avoid the fat of the olive oil. I seasoned it first with Montreal Chicken Seasoning for some kick and used Pam Olive Oil Spray.)

While the chicken is cooking, prep the veggies and smash the garlic.

Add the olive oil to a nonstick pan, and sautee the garlic and crushed red pepper for 2 minutes. When the garlic is fragrant, add the veggies and cook until tender. (I added some water here to help steam them.) When the veggies are almost done, add the diced tomatoes.

Once the veggie/tomato mixture is heated through, add the cream cheese, Parmesan and basil. Mix. (The mixture will thin out as it cooks.)

Add the chicken and mozzarella to the pan and let cook until bubbly. Taste, and season as necessary.

Serve over your favorite pasta. I used whole wheat farfalle. Just remember that the pasta sucks up the sauce very easily, so avoid adding the pasta to the mixture in the pan!

Adapted from: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-pomodoro-121461.aspx?pf=true