Tomato Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Chicken

This pasta dish is INCREDIBLE.  I see this dish becoming a family favorite.

It was a cinch to throw together.  I made my favorite homemade alfredo sauce which can be made in a matter of minutes.  I really don't see the point in buying store-bought alfredo sauce, when you can make a homemade one that is so much healthier and tastes so much better.    

Speaking of being healthier, store-bought marinade packets are loaded with sodium.  Definitely not something you are going to want to eat everyday.  I still used it and the chicken tasted AMAZING.  It was moist and juicy and the flavor went perfect with the alfredo sauce.  Next time, I want to try and create my own marinade.  The marinade packet ingredients included: salt, red pepper, thyme, onion, garlic, white wine and red bell pepper along with a whole bunch of weird things.  If you try a homemade version and it turns out great, let me know.    

Either way,  MAKE THIS - YOU WILL LOVE IT TOO!

Tomato Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Chicken

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)  

1 pkg. Grill Mates Garlic Herb Wine Marinade packet
2 - 3 boneless chicken breasts
1 c. milk
2 oz. cream cheese
1 Tbl. flour
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp. table salt)
1/2 Tbl. butter
1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce, or more to taste

1 tsp. Italian seasoning
3/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz. penne pasta, cooked and drained

Prepare marinade according to package directions.  Add the chicken and allow to marinate for several hours.  Grill chicken until done (I grilled mine on the George Foreman) or you could bake in the oven, if you don't have a grill.  Slice into strips.  

For the Tomato Alfredo Sauce: Add milk, cream cheese, flour and salt to a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Heat 1/2 Tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add 1 clove of minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Add the sauce mixture and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened and creamy; about 5-10 minutes.  Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and the Parmesan cheese and whisk until blended and cheese is melted.  Stir in the cooked and drained pasta.  Serve with sliced chicken.  Serves 3-4.