Penne in Almond Sauce

Once again Giada De Laurentiis has captured my attention with one of her amazing dinners.. I just couldn't help myself, Penne in Almond sauce.. Mmmm... A thick creamy sauce with succulent chicken, Penne pasta, fresh Parmesan, heavy cream, basil and peas... Heaven, it literally melted in your mouth! This dish is just amazing! The flavors are Fantastic! I can't wait to share it with you all!! I know you will fall in love with it the minute it hits your mouth (and Stomach)! :)

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups (9 ounces) blanched, slivered almonds
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (I only used 2 cloves of garlic)
• 2 store-bought, rotisserie chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup frozen petite peas
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (I didn't add the extra salt, it really didn't need it)
• 2 cups grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (I used dried Basil and only about 1 - 1 1/2 Tablespoons)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.

In a blender, combine the almonds, chicken stock, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth.

Pour the mixture into a large skillet and turn the heat on to medium.

Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken, peas, cream and lemon zest.

If your sauce does not thicken, put some of the sauce in a bowl, and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to it, 1/2 a tablespoon at a time so that it doesn't clump. Once it is thick add it slowly to your sauce slowly, stir constantly!

Cook, stirring frequently until the chicken is heated through, about 4 minutes (mixture will be thick). Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Put the cooked pasta into a serving bowl and add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Toss together until the pasta is coated.

Add the chicken mixture, the remaining cheese and the basil.

Toss the ingredients together, adding the reserved pasta water, as needed, to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

ENJOY!