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Penne With Chicken Strips And Broccoli
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons margarine, softened 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, sliced into strips (12 ounces) 1/4 cup all purpose flour freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 12 ounces penne or any short tubular pasta such as ziti or rigatoni 4 cups broccoli florets and peeled stems, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons margarine.
On a sheet of wax paper, lightly coat the chicken in the flour and pepper and shake off any excess. Immediately place the chicken in the hot skillet and saute' 2 minutes, stirring frequently until just browned on both sides.
Stir in the garlic, if using, and cook 1 minute longer. Do not let the garlic brown. Cover and keep warm.
In a large pot, bring 5 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook, uncovered, 6 minutes. Carefully add the broccoli and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water before draining the pasta.
Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, blend the cheese with the remaining margarine until fluffy.
Blend with the reserved cooking water to make a sauce. Add the pasta, chicken, and broccoli and gently toss until combined.
Serve with additional cheese and add pepper to taste, if desired.
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