Creamy Spring Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 ounces French bread baguette, torn into pieces 
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 3 garlic cloves, minced and divided
• 1 1/2 cups (2-inch) diagonally cut asparagus 
• 1 cup frozen green peas 
• 6 ounces uncooked fettuccine 
• 2 teaspoons olive oil 
• 1/3 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup 1% low-fat milk 
• 3 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup packed)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Preparation

1. 1. Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a Dutch oven.
2. 2. Place torn bread in a food processor; process until coarse crumbs form. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 garlic clove to pan; sauté 1 minute. Add breadcrumbs; sauté 3 minutes or until golden brown and toasted. Remove breadcrumb mixture from pan; wipe pan clean with paper towels.
3. 3. Add asparagus and peas to boiling water; cook for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Rinse under cold water; drain.
4. 4. Add pasta to boiling water; cook 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and keep warm.
5. 5. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and the remaining 2 garlic cloves; cook for 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Place flour in a small bowl; gradually whisk in chicken broth. Add broth mixture and milk to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from heat; add cheeses, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheeses melt. Add pasta, asparagus, and peas; toss well. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and tarragon.

From Cooking Light

Mary's changes: Because making the breadcrumbs from the baguette can be time consuming, I just use normal bread crumbs. I also add 2 grilled chicken breasts to the recipe. Also if the sauce doesn't thicken use a little cornstarch. Lastly I put in a little more cream cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese than it suggests. Enjoy!