Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Having both chronic dry eye (CDE) and age related macular degeneration (AMD), I try to incorporate ingredients into my recipes that are eye healthy.

CDE is believed to be caused by an inflammatory reaction on the surface of the eye. I don’t strictly adhere to an anti-inflammatory diet, but I try to limit consumption of processed foods. This recipe uses whole wheat pasta, broccoli, and sweet peppers. These ingredients adhere to an anti-inflammatory diet and contain vitamins that can assist with good eye health.^1,2

This recipe is prepared in an Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker), which is popular these days for the convenience of fast meal preparation. I used pre-cooked chicken breast. I frequently cook several chicken breast and freeze portions I use in various recipes.

Makes 8 servings
Serving size: 1
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (approximately, time to reach pressure varies)
Total time 25 minutes

Ingredients for cheesy chicken pasta

• 10 oz whole wheat Penne pasta
• 12 oz fat free chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 16 oz pre-cooked chicken breast cubed
• 1 10 oz bag frozen steam-able broccoli florets cooked per package instructions
• 8 mini sweet peppers cut into strips
• 8 oz reduced fat Fiesta blend cheese
• 1 can Campbell cream of chicken soup

Directions for cheesy chicken pasta

• Place the pasta in the bottom of the instant pot
• Mix the garlic and onion powders with the chicken broth. Heat in a microwaveable container 2 minutes and pour over the pasta. The pasta should be completely covered by the broth. If you need additional fluid, add water until covered
• Add cubed chicken, cheese, and soup in this order
• Place the lid on the instant pot and set to seal. Select manual on high setting and cook for 3 minutes
• Prepare and drain the broccoli according to directions on the bag
• When cooking is complete, manually release the pressure, taking care not to burn yourself as it vents. When the steam has been released, carefully open the pot
• Remove the peppers from foil and add to the pot. Add the cooked broccoli
• Using a long spoon, carefully stir all the ingredients together. Your dish is ready to serve

Notes: your favorite pasta can be substituted for the penne. Using preheated broth shortens the time to reach pressure.