Creamy Basil Pasta With Chicken & Vegetables

• 6 ounces dried uncooked penne pasta
• 1 1/2 cups Land O Lakes Half & Half or Fat Free Half & Half
• 1 (1.2-ounce) package creamy pesto sauce mix*
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil**
• 1 tablespoon Land O Lakes Butter
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 2 red, yellow and/or orange bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain; set aside.
3. Keep warm.
4. Whisk half & half, sauce mix, olive oil and basil together in bowl until smooth; set aside.
5. Melt butter in deep 12-inch non-stick skillet.
6. Add chicken, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
7. Cook over medium heat 5-8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
8. Add all remaining ingredients except Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover; continue cooking 4-6 minutes or until broccoli is crisply tender.
10. Gradually stir in sauce mixture.
11. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes or until mixture is thickened and heated through.
12. Stir in cooked pasta.
13. Continue cooking 1 minute or until heated through.
14. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
15. Serve immediately.
16. *Substitute creamy Alfredo sauce mix.
17. **Substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil.

penne pasta, pesto sauce, olive oil, fresh basil, butter, chicken, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, broccoli florets, chicken broth, red, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.landolakes.com/recipe/1517/creamy-basil-pasta-with-chicken-vegetables (may not work)