Chicken Caesar Pasta

it seems my family has an unspoken agreement that if one of them is helping you with something, you feed them. not sure quite when it started but i guess it's only fair to feed "the help". today, i was the help. i helped box up some dining room, sun room, and back room things for my parents impending move. the best part? mom made an amazing lunch.

not only was her chicken caesar pasta simple to whip up but it was super tasty and filling. the presentation was fabulous as well. not bad for a free lunch huh? the best part is this dish whips up in just 15 minutes.

the secret ingredient in this dish is newmans own lite caesar dressing. she sauteed some diced chicken breasts in a little garlic and olive oil, added in some broccoli florets and whole wheat pene which made the dish extra hearty and filling. a salty sprinkling of parmesan cheese at the end really made this dish. i gobbled up every bite.

thanks again mom:)

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Chicken Caesar Pasta
serves 4

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pene
2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup newmans own lite caesar vinaigrette
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided

cook pasta according to package directions. reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. add garlic and saute 30 seconds. add cubed chicken and saute, stirring often until cooked through. add broccoli and cook until warmed through. add in cooked pasta, caesar dressing, pasta water and half of the parmesan cheese. toss well to combine. divide among plates and top with remaining parmesan cheese.