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 The new year is just  around the corning and it's time to start thinking about how to be a healthier, better, you. Making slight modifications to your lifestyle is more likely to be successful, rather than changing everything all at once, and not being able to maintain. Making slight changes, such as, low-calorie options, whole wheat carbs, and eating more vegetables will definitely help you get there faster. Enjoy this healthy pasta alternative for a cleaner, new, you.

Ingredients To Gather:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded with mallet to even thickness

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

• 1/4 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus more for sauce

• 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed of ends, remaining diced into 2-inch pieces and steamed

• 1 1/2 Tbsp butter

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 3/4 cup milk (I used 1%)

• 1/4 cup cream or half and half

• 3 oz Neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese), diced into pieces

• 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

How To Prepare:

1. In a small bowl, stir together basil, oregano, thyme and 1/4 salt and pepper.

2. Sprinkle half of the herb mixture evenly over tops of chicken.

3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 8 – 12 minutes, occasionally rotating chicken (time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, let rest 5 minutes then dice into pieces.

4. Meanwhile cook pasta according to directions listed on package, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

5. In a clean skillet, create a roux using butter, flour and garlic. While whisking, slowly pour in milk then cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste (a fair amount of each) and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil and thickens, reduce heat to medium-low, add Neufchatel and parmesan cheese and cook, stirring frequently, until cheeses have melted.

6. Toss in cooked pasta, then add cooked chicken, steamed asparagus and toss to evenly coat.

Note: Now that you've made a step in the right direction to a new you, try going for a walk after dinner to give your metabolism a boost. Happy New Year!

Article Source: Healthy Fitness Recipe