Chicken & Asparagus Tossed with Penne

The first of all our heart healthy recipes we've tried & still a favorite!
Yes..it has pasta & it actually calls for regular pasta. I've decided to go with half regular Penne & half wheat Penne. And since this recipe serves 2, I usually double it..or triple it depending on who I have home.

1 1/2 C uncooked penne pasta
1 C chopped asparagus
6 ounces bonesless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with herbs, including juice
1 T parmesan cheese

Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly. Set aside.
In a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch of water to a boil and add the asparagus. Cover & steam until tender-crisp, about 2 - 3 minutes. (I actually have a Tupperware steamer for the microwave & that's how I cook this..probably a minute in the microwave.
Spray a large nonstick frying pan with cooking spray. Add the chicken and garlic & saute over minium-high heat. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, including the juice & simmer 1 minute more.
Add the pasta & steamed asparagus & toss gently to mix evenly.
To serve divide the pasta mixture between 2 plates. Sprinkle each serving the 1/2 T of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

We like a little bit more spice than the tomatoes provide so I've usually added some parsley, oregano etc..just enough to look right. ;)

I was thinking this morning that this would probably be super yummy with some spinach in it, or zuccini & yellow squash.. I'll let you know!