Italian Trio Pasta

This is an easy, hearty pasta toss that features three meats, chicken breast, Italian sausage and bacon or pancetta, hence the name. 

During the summer months, I tend to grill the sausage and chicken to save on cleaning separate pans.

The cream sauce is easy to make and is naturally gluten free.  

This recipe is a real winner at our house. I'm sure it will be at yours too! My husband says it's just as good as his version of "Make your own" pasta at Macaroni Grill. Nothing but meat and sauce!

Italian Trio Pasta

Ingredients:

1 8oz light (Neufchatel) cream cheese
1 c grated Parmesan, or 1/2 Parmesan and 1/2 Romano, if you have it
1 1/2 cup Half and Half, fat free versions work or evaporated skim milk
(For special occasions try 1 cup whipping cream, 1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic
1 pkg turkey italian sausage
1 lb chicken breast
1/4 cup chopped pancetta or 6 slices of bacon
10 oz of pasta or gluten free pasta
3/4 frozen peas (optional-sometimes I add them sometimes not)
 
Directions:

1. Cook sausage according to directions. Cook chicken seasoned with salt, dried basil and oregano in a grill pan or in the microwave on 60% power until done. Chop both and set aside.

2. If using bacon, cook as desired.  Reserve some grease to heat the garlic in a large non-stick skillet.  If using pancetta, cook until brown and then add garlic to the heavy skillet until aromatic.  Either way don't let the garlic burn.

3. Start the water boiling and cook noodles according to package directions. If adding peas, cook noodles for half the allotted time and add them to the pot.

4. Add milk and cream cheese to the bacon/pancetta garlic, cook over medium heat, mixing well. (May need to whisk.) Add Parmesan and Romano cheese once the mixture is creamy. Finish with a few sprigs of flat leaf parsley, basil and fresh black pepper.

5. Add chopped meats to skillet and cook on low until pasta is ready and drained.

6. Add a ladle of sauce to the bottom of a large pasta bowl, add prepared pasta, top with rest of sauce. Toss and serve with extra cheese if desired.