Monday: Chicken Penne Pasta with Basil and Tomatoes

This is one of my absolute FAVORITE summer meals. It is light, uses fresh veggies and can be served a variety of ways.

*Sorry about the lack of pictures here! I was making this meal for a church potluck and forgot to take my camera to church with me to take final pictures!

Here is what you need:

5 Basil leaves, 1 tomato, 1/2-1 lb baked chicken
Not pictured: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, 1 box Penne Pasta


Step 1: Bake your chicken. I baked mine in the oven at 350 for 20 min.

Step 2:


Cook your pasta and drain

Step 3: Chop your basil leaves and tomatoes

Step 4: Combine diced chicken, penne, basil leaves, tomatoes, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette, 1 cup mozzarella cheese in a 9x13 pan


Step 5: Top with more mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until warm and cheese is melted

Step 7: Serve!



Another variation on this dish is to mix all the ingredients (minus the Parmesan cheese) when the pasta is still warm and serve without baking.

This meal is great for lunch, dinner and potlucks.

Cost of Meal for a family of 4: $5.00

Cost per person: $1.25