SPICY CHICKEN TENDERS WITH BLUE CHEESE PENNE PASTA

Spicy Chicken Tenders With Blue Cheese Penne Pasta image

Provided by gailanng

Time 1h45m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

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1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 lbs chicken tenders or 2 lbs turkey breast tenderloins, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons canola oil
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups skim milk
3/4 cup plus 4 tablespoons blue cheese, divided
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup frank's hot sauce, warmed
2 tablespoons kosher salt (not table salt)
2 lbs penne rigate
1/4 cup chopped roma tomato

Steps:

For the dry rub: In a small bowl, mix together the dry spices and season turkey tenders. Cover with plastic wrap and place into refrigerator for 1 hour.
For the bechamel: In a large saute pot over medium heat, add butter and oil. Warm until the butter melts then whisk in flour, until mixture is smooth. Slowly add skim milk with whisk, breaking down solids. When all the milk is added, slightly simmer for 10 minutes and then whisk in 3/4 cup blue cheese and nutmeg. Hold warm.
Preheat grill or cast iron skillet to high.
Add chicken tender pieces and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, or juice runs clear. Remove from grill, toss in warmed hot sauce, and hold warm.
In a large pot heat 2 gallons of water to boil, and add 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Add pasta and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente.
Toss drained pasta with blue cheese bechamel sauce, next remove chicken tenders from hot sauce and toss in pasta and bechamel. Garnish with Roma tomatoes and remaining blue cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 773.6, Fat 20.4, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 95.4, Sodium 2904.1, Carbohydrate 98.2, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 3.9, Protein 46.6