WHAT I MADE FOR DINNER: SPICY TOMATO PENNE

Adapted from "Let's Make a Baby Pasta" recipe.

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Spicy Tomato Penne

3/4 pound whole wheat penne
2 tablespoons olive oil + extra for grilling chicken
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I even put as much as a whole teaspoon for extra kick!)
One 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 large chicken breasts
Salt
Pepper

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Cook penne in boiling water until al dente, drain and set pasta aside in serving bowl

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over moderate heat, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is soft, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon--careful not to let the garlic brown. Add the tomatoes and stir. Simmer until warmed through. Add salt to taste.

In a separate, lightly oiled skillet, grill chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown on both sides.

Toss pasta with tomato sauce, reserving a few tablespoons of sauce to drizzle atop chicken. Place grilled chicken breasts on top of the pasta (I cut my chicken into strips). Pour remaining sauce and cheese on top of the chicken.

I love this dish because it's light, but filling and tasty. When I need some good carbs, you bet I make this pasta! I really like how much you can tweak this dish, too. Sometimes I add some zucchini to the pasta sauce, and sometimes I leave the chicken out.

I'm going to go heat up my left-overs right now...