Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Trees (WG)

Makes:

Makes 6 portions.

Ingredients:

• 7 ounces (1/2 box) whole wheat penne pasta
• 3 cups raw broccoli florettes
• 1 cup precooked chicken strips
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons skim milk
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook pasta according to directions until crisp-tender. Drain pasta.
3. Place drained pasta in a 13x9 baking dish.
4. Place broccoli in a stockpot of boiling water or a steamer for about 5 minutes.
5. Rinse with cool water.
6. Add the drained broccoli and the precooked chicken strips to the pasta.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheeses over pasta mixture.
8. In a mixing bowl, combine milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
9. Pour milk mixture evenly over the pasta mixture and mix in with a spoon.
10. Cover baking dish with foil.
11. Bake 30 minutes, until mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted.

Serve:

Serve 1 portion to each 3-5 year old. 1 portion counts as 1 1/2 ounces meat/meat alternate, 1 bread/grain serving and 1/3 cup vegetable.