Greek Penne Pasta and Garlic Green Beans

Ok, so it did not turn out looking quite like this, but it will still yummy. I halfed the recipe and it was more than enough for my hubby and me, plus leftovers for lunch. Be sure to really rinse the artichoke hearts, if not it can be a bit on the vinegary side. My husband does not like tomatoes or artichokes, so it says alot when he ate it up. Very quick and easy.

Greek Penne and Chicken

Yield4 servings Active Time20 Min Total Time50 Min
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts in water
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Instructions

1.In a large pot with boiling salted water cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain.
2.Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat melt butter, add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add chopped chicken and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
3.Reduce heat to medium- low. Drain and chop artichoke hearts and add them, chopped tomato, feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, dried oregano, and drained penne pasta to the large skillet. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4.Season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve warm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I paired the pasta with this green bean recipe. Again so easy and just a hint of flavor to help you eat your veggies for the day. I am a bit of a garlic fan so I just left them in rather than picking them out, it really does not change anything. Enjoy.

Green Beans with Toasted Garlic

Yield4 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients

1 pound green beans, trimmed
2 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instructions

1.Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add beans; cook 5 minutes. Plunge beans into ice water; drain.
2.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and oil; swirl until butter melts. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Remove garlic; set aside. Add beans; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes, tossing frequently. Top with garlic.