Elaine's Creamy Asian Pasta Alfredo

I was a little inspired by that Philadelphia cream cheese commercial where Albert is cooking for the angel. I bet cooking with Albert would be pretty heavenly ;-) This makes a lot, you can refrigerate the leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 bag of Europe's Best Zen Garden vegetables
• 1/2 package of Sun Bird Chicken Thai Seasoning Mix (found in your local grocery store)
  
• 1 package of Knorr Alfredo mixture
• 1 1/2 c. milk for the Alfredo mixture
  
• 1 brick of light cream cheese (cubed, room temperature)
  
• 1/2 large pack of pasta (a chunkier pasta like rigatoni works well)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (a little more if you like garlic)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
  
• Grape tomatoes (optional)
• Chicken or Sausage (optional)
  

Preparation:

• Make the Knorr Alfredo sauce as directed (I don't use butter or margarine; my bad!) and set it aside
• In a large skillet, saute the contents of the Zen Garden vegetalbles with the olive oil and add the 1/2 package of Thai Chicken seasoning with the garlic
  
• Prepare your pasta as directed (al dente) (do not rinse when done)
  
• When the vegetables have been well sauteed, add the cream cheese cubes and melt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Add the pasta. Add the tomatoes and chicken or sausage at this point too.
• Pour the Alfredo mixture on top and blend well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  
• Let simmer for about 5 minutes over a low heat. Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top (if desired).