Recipe: Pasta with Grilled Chicken, White Beans and Mushrooms

PASTA WITH GRILLED CHICKEN, WHITE BEANS AND MUSHROOMS
(healthy recipe/diabetes Meal Plan)

Dietitian's tip: White beans get their name from their light color. You can use any variety in this recipe, including marrow beans, Great Northern beans or navy beans. White beans are a good source of many nutrients, including iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each 4 ounces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped white onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup white beans, cooked
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
12 ounces uncooked rotelle pasta
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Ground black pepper, to taste

Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or broiler. Away from the heat source, lightly coat the grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray. Position the cooking rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source.

Grill or broil the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes each side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

In a large, nonstick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the white beans, garlic, basil and grilled chicken strips. Keep warm.

Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (tender), 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.

Return the pasta to the pot and add the chicken mixture. Toss to mix evenly.

Divide the pasta among the plates. Garnish each with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Serve immediately.

SERVES 4
adapted from source: By Mayo Clinic Staff/ Jan 1, 2005