Garlic Herb Chicken with Broccoli, Leeks and Zucchini

This is one of my favorites... a lighter flavor than the tomato based pasta dishes.  I forgot to photograph the final product, I started tucking in right away and totally skipped that step,  but I'll hopefully add it the next time I make it.

Ingredients

2 tbsps Walnut Oil

1 Lg. Chicken Breast per person

4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped (these days I buy the prepared, organic type and use 1 level tsp per clove)

2 lg Leeks sliced thin.

3 tbsp Basil, dried OR Fresh Basil, chopped fine.

1 sm. zucchini, diced small

1 sm. head of broccoli, cut into small pieces.

Smart or Healthy Harvest Penne pasta

1 cup skim milk

1 tsp Mrs. Dash Lemon Herb spice OR zest of one lemon.

If you are allergic to Walnuts substitute EV Olive Oil, but Walnut oil is "good" fat, and a great source of Omega 3 and 6.  It also adds a smooth, almost buttery flavor to this meal.



In 1 tbsp Walnut oil, saute 2 cloves finely chopped garlic. 



With the pan screaming hot, add in chicken breast, so that you quickly brown the outside. Then turn the heat to medium and continue to cook with a lid covering the pan.

When the Chicken is almost cooked through sprinkle with half of the basil, cover again and finish cooking them. (This is a good time to get the water for the pasta heating on high) Then remove them from the pan and keep them covered (and hot) -either on a warmer or in the oven on low.  Before covering them again sprinkle with 1/2 the Mrs. Dash or Lemon Zest.

In the same pan add the milk and remaining oil, garlic and basil heat until it starts to bubble, then add the leeks, followed a few minutes later by the zucchini and broccoli.  This is also a good time to be cooking your pasta. By the time your vegetables are tender your pasta should be ready to toss with the vegetables.



Cut off the long green parts of the leek, and thoroughly wash, there is often dirt hiding in the tight layers of the leeks so check well that it is clean inside... the last thing you want is a meal that tastes like dirt. Chop into thin rings and add to the milk, oil, basil garlic mix.



Slice the chicken and fold in, or serve on the side. When food is plated, sprinkle again with the remaining lemon zest or Lemon Mrs. Dash.

Enjoy!