Asparagus Pasta

I wasn't going to post this recipe, but Scott and I loved it so much I figured that I would share. It is really, really delicious. I saw the recipe on the food network and was able to find a similar recipe (not exact though because the one I saw had goat cheese). Here is the link to the similar recipe, but as you will see I changed it quite a bit. I used chicken instead of turkey, did my own spices, and added goat cheese. It was quick and delicious!

Penne Pasta with Asparagus, Chicken and Goat Cheese

1.5 lbs Chicken Breast cut into 1" pieces
12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
1 lb asparagus cut into 1" pieces
1 4oz tub of crumbled goat cheese
olive oil
butter
minced garlic (I always keep a jar in the fridge)
salt & pepper

Start by putting some oil in a large skillet (we used the cast iron) and add about 1-2 T of minced garlic. Cook the chicken until cooked thoroughly. Set aside.

While cooking the chicken, boil water and cook pasta according to directions on box. Add the asparagus when there is approximately 3 minutes left and continue to boil them both. Then drain the pasta and asparagus.

Put approximately 3 T of butter and 1-2T of minced garlic into the bottom of the pot and melt. Then add the pasta, asparagus and chicken. Mix. Drizzle with olive oil until moist and add salt and pepper. Mix in approximately half of the goat cheese (this will melt a little bit). Sprinkle the other half of the goat cheese on when you serve.

This is delicious either hot of cold and the leftovers are wonderful also. Hope you enjoy it!