Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Couscous

One side dish I've been really digging for the past couple of months is couscous.  The boxed version is SO easy to prepare and always tastes delicious, plus I love that it's completely done in under 10 minutes!

This dish can be prepared in juuuust over that timeframe -- 15 minutes, 20 tops!  The secret is to use already prepared chicken.  Earlier in the week I'd grilled some chicken breasts for dinner, and I threw a few extra on the grill to have for later.  Dishes like this are perfect for that leftover chicken!

Mr. L may not share my affinity for couscous most of the time, but as soon as he tasted this dish, he fell in love.  He told me I'd better enjoy the bowl I had because he was absolutely taking the rest to work with him for lunch the next day!  I couldn't blame him for coveting this dish though.  The vegetables were crisp and delicious and the chicken was scrumptious.  I loved how the couscous kind of held everything together with its buttery creaminess.  Yum!!

So basically what I'm saying is put this dish on your table tonight, but only if you want to have a happy and full family.  Otherwise run far away in the opposite direction!  ;)

Ingredients

• 1 lb grilled chicken breasts
• 1/2 lb asparagus
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 box (6 oz) couscous
• Half-and-half
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

In a small saucepan, prepare couscous according to package directions.  However, instead of adding all water, add equal parts water and half-and-half.

Meanwhile, chop asparagus into 2-inch pieces and dice the red bell pepper.  Also chop the grilled chicken into 1-inch pieces.  

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add in the chicken, asparagus pieces, and bell pepper and saute for about 2-3 minutes.  Then add the minced garlic and saute for another 2-3 minutes.

At this point, combine the couscous in the skillet with the chicken and vegetables and also the dried basil.  Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top and then serve and enjoy!