Chicken Pesto Penne

Do you ever just have one of those days?  One of those days where someone says something to you and you immediately have this feeling of 'did-they-really-just-say-that'?

Nothing irritates me more than when someone puts blame on someone who doesn't deserve it.  Drives me batty!  So that is weighing on my heart right now.  Even thought I am an outgoing, fun-loving person, I still have feelings and am quite sensitive.

Ugh.

What I'd really like to do is just dive into this creamy, flavorful dish and forget about it!

I got the original recipe here.  But as usual I cannot leave anything alone, so I tweaked it a bit.  Threw in some different cheeses,  used frozen spinach instead of fresh and used my homemade marinara instead of canned tomatoes.

This makes a BIG batch - mine made three 8x8 dishes, so its perfect for one dinner and freezing the other two.  I gave one of those dishes to a new mama friend and put the other in our freezer.  The husband devoured the other dish after work the other night - like inhaled - seriously, I've never seen him eat so fast.  It was quite entertaining.

Chicken Pesto Penne

{Print this Recipe!}

1 lb. penne pasta

1 jar alfredo sauce

2 c. homemade marinara {or 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes}

3 cooked chicken breasts, diced

1 pkg. frozen spinach {thawed and drained}

8 oz. jar basil pesto

3 oz. shredded smoked gouda cheese

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 c. grated shredded pecorino romano cheese

a bit of milk or chicken stock to thin it out - 1/2 c.

In a large stockpot cook penne according to directions.  Meanwhile in a large bowl combine all other ingredients.  When penne is cooked add to this mixture and stir.

Place into three 8x8 greased baking dishes.  Cook immediately {top with extra pecorino romano cheese} or wrap in plastic wrap, then foil and freeze.  If making immediately, bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

These past few days I've also had my elbows deep in strawberries.  The little man and I went to the farm and  picked one morning away {we have the bug bites to prove it}.  He loved this!  I then took him out for lunch and we had the best time.

I strongly suggest if you are a parent of more than one child to make a point to do things with them individually.  He had my full attention for about 4 hours and you could tell he was just beaming.  Did I mention he face was stained red until the next day?  I think he ate his weight in strawberries.

Yesterday I made 5 batches of this jam, and tonight I plan on freezing the rest.  I even brought some to work for my co-workers {I'm nice like that}.

Okay....I've already calmed down.  Just writing out this post has made me feel better!

Enjoy your Tuesday everyone - and make this dish!