Pesto Chicken Penne with Toasted Pinenuts and Fresh Parmesan Shreds

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/3 cup prepared pesto
• 1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 package ready to steam broccoli, steamed in microwave according to package directions
• 1/2 cup pinenuts (toasted on a baking sheet at 300 degrees, for about 4 minutes. Watch to prevent overbrowning.
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan shreds

1. Heat olive oil in large saute pan over medium high heat. Add ground chicken and brown, stirring occasionally.
2. Add garlic powder, basil and salt, stirring to combine
3. Remove seasoned browned chicken from pan and return pan to heat.
4. Add chicken stock to pan and heat until simmering. Add penne pasta and cook for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in pesto, cream and grated parmesan, then add steamed broccoli and stir to distribute.
6. Serve hot from the pan, garnished with toasted pinenuts and fresh parmesan shreds.

Enjoy!