penne and cheese with chicken strips

How To Make penne and cheese with chicken strips

• Step 1
  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Step 2
  Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Add crumbled bacon and 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; mix well.
• Step 3
  Place chicken strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely, about 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2 inches-pieces and set aside.
• Step 4
  Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain.
• Step 5
  Heat avocado oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, carrots and banana peppers; saute them for 5 minutes or until tender.
• Step 6
  Mix in honey mustard, ground cumin and crushed red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Step 7
  Melt margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Combine heavy cream, cubed cheddar cheese, milk, 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and sea salt/black pepper; stir it well and let it simmer for 6 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
• Step 8
  Reduce to low heat, add sliced chicken strips and cooked penne pasta; stir together until combined. Remove from heat.
• Step 9
  Spoon half of chicken/penne pasta mixture into a prepared casserole dish. Layer evenly with vegetable mixture and top remaining chicken/penne pasta mixture.
• Step 10
  Sprinkle with shredded monterey jack cheese and remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
• Step 11
  Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let stand for 8 minutes.
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