Creamy Spinach Pasta

Creamy Spinach Pasta

(adapted from allrecipes.com recipe "Laura's Unbelievable Chicken and Pasta")

I have no idea if this is easy, because Michael made it, BUT IT IS SO YUMMY. AND the children gobbled it up. And asked for 2nds. That is A+ in my book.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-10 ounces total) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch strips/cubes
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained and cut into smaller pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) package cold cream cheese, cubed
• onion powder
• 1 tsp crushed garlic in a jar (Christopher Ranch)
• 1/2 - 3/4 (16 ounce) package dry penne pasta
• 6-10 fresh basil leaves, washed and cut or torn into small pieces

Directions

1. Bring large pot of water to a boil, and stir in penne pasta.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken cubes in broth, garlic and onion powder; simmering until done, about 10 minutes. Stir in cubed cream cheese and spinach. Return to simmer, and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cherry tomatoes, and cook about 3 minutes more.
3. In a large bowl, mix together cooked, drained pasta and sauce. Add basil and stir gently to incorporate. Let stand a few minutes before serving.

We made this the first time WITHOUT the tomatoes because we had none. But I am excited to try it with them in the future.