Tricolore Bowtie Pasta Bake with Spinach, Tomato, and Artichokes

A fun and colorfully festive dish that is easy to prepare and that everyone enjoys.  I have never been a fan of artichokes myself, but in this combination the flavors mix well and converted me to an artichoke fan.  Should you not find easily any bowtie pasta that is colored (Rao's makes a great dried bow tie in the traditional three red, green, and white) then opt for your favorite pasta.  A bowtie, shell, fusilli...any of these type of cuts will work well with the dish.  The artichoke gives a nice "lighter" taste for summer but can stand up to being a great winter dish as well.

Tricolore Bowtie Pasta Bake with Spinach, Tomato, and  Artichokes

2 small jars (7.5 oz each) of marinated artichokes, drained and quartered

1 large can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

10 oz spinach, washed and chopped (you can use frozen but be sure to defrost and drain as well as possible)

1 package of pasta (bowtie)

1 lb chicken breast

4 TBSP flour

6 TBSP butter

3+ cups heavy cream or whole milk

2 garlic cloves, crushed

½ small sweet onion, chopped

2 cups cheese (Monterey jack, mozzarella, white cheddar, swiss – any combo), shredded

¼ cup parmesan cheese

2 Herb Ox chicken bouillon cubes

Boil water and cook chicken approximately 20 minutes.  Drain, chop, and combine with tomato, spinach, and artichokes.

Cook pasta 2 minutes less than instructed cooking time on package.  Drain and combine with chicken mixture.

While prepping the above make the sauce.  Melt 4 tbsp butter and briefly sauté garlic and onion (~30 seconds to one minute).  Add flour to make roux.  Slowly add the cream/milk until desired consistency.  Make sure slightly more liquid than thick.  Add bouillon cubes.  Add 1-1 ½  cup of shredded cheese mixture and stir until melted.  Poor over and combine with pasta and chicken.  Put into casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and parmesan.  Dot with butter (optional) and bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees, 30 minutes, and then broil until browned on top.