Simple Ingredients Make a Delicious Dinner

Last night's meal was created from simple ingredients. I had roasted a chicken over the weekend just in case the smoked one didn't turn out so great and we needed something else to eat! Yep, always have a back-up plan is our motto! With some yummy cooked chicken already sliced up and ready to go, we decided to go with a quick and simple dinner to use some of that up and allow me some extra time with my boys after work and summer camp.

Everyone enjoyed it and I even had some leftover to bring in to work today. I must say that the Parmesan cheese really added the extra flavor needed to this dish. If you happen to have some leftover chicken hanging around this is a great way to use it up. Just dig in to your pantry and fridge and see what you have and start tossing things together!

This is a perfect pasta dish to share with Presto Pasta Night Round-up for this Friday which is being hosted by Gay @ A Scientist in the Kitchen.

penne chicken and capers

Penne with Roasted Chicken and Capers


2 cups sliced chicken (you could use the roasted chicken from Costco or your local grocery store)
2 tablespoons EVOO
2-3 teaspoons chopped garlic (depends on how much your family likes, we LOVE garlic at our house)
2 teaspoons capers
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (you could also use fresh basil if you have it on hand)
1/2 pound cooked penne pasta (if you use whole wheat pasta, you increase the fiber and health benefits of this dish)
1-2 tablespoons chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Start the pasta cooking according to the package directions.

Heat the EVOO in a large skillet then add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes - just until it starts to become fragrant. Next add the capers and the sliced chicken. Saute all together for about 5 minutes to ensure the chicken has been heated through.

When pasta has finished cooking, drain and add to the skillet and toss to coat with the EVOO, garlic and capers. Add in the chopped parsley and toss. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of chicken broth to loosen things up a bit.

Serve with a nice big salad of leafy greens and you have a complete meal.

I often come across fantastic ideas for simple dishes while reading some favorite blogs. So, I am going to try to share those great finds whenever I can. Check out these recipes:

Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Toss by Kristen @ Dine and Dish

Spinach Artichoke Fettucini Fini with Sausage by Jenny @ Picky Palate

Linguine with Zucchini, Browned Butter and Garlic by Stepanie @ Stephanie's Kitchen

Each of these recipes can go together rather quickly for a weeknight meal. I think I even have all the ingredients in my kitchen as we speak! I better get cooking so I can sample these fantastic dishes for myself!

Comments

Anonymous saidā€¦
Oh, perfect! We've got leftover roasted chicken and pasta that needs to be used. Thanks!
Susan @ SGCC saidā€¦
Your pasta looks delicious! I love to use store bought roasted chicken like this. I even make chicken soup with it.
Anonymous saidā€¦
I am going to make this recipe next week. It sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
I'm with you on the garlic, Patsy!
Beth (jamandcream) saidā€¦
Thiswould make a perfect Monday night supper, using up the leftover chicken from the Sunday Roast!
Prudy saidā€¦
That's a beautiful pasta dish for a summer night.
That Girl saidā€¦
I love this, because last night we had a pasta dish with chicken - lots of tomatoes, no capers
Deborah saidā€¦
What a delicious meal!!
Ruth Daniels saidā€¦
Thanks for sharing such a tasty dish with Presto Pasta Nights.

Another good reason to roast a chicken and have it on hand during the week.

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