Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup flour
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken broth (extra)
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoon flour
• 1 ¼ cups half and half (½ light cream, ½ milk)
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ½ chicken bouillon cube
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ⅓ cup Romano cheese, grated
• ½ lb. pasta (any kind)
• 1 cup pasta water (optional)
• 1 lemon (optional)

Seasonings:

• ½ tsp each: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley (all dried)
• ⅛ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. In a large measuring cup, combine the half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings. Measure out the remaining ingredients. Place a measuring cup in the colander to reserve some pasta water later.

2. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Cover with plastic wrap and pound each side to about 1-inch thick. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat both sides with flour.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.

4. Begin boiling water for the pasta. In the skillet, add ½ cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half and half mixture, stirring continuously to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Add half a bouillon cube and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and cover the skillet partially.

6. Salt the boiling water and cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.

7. Gradually mix in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses into the sauce, stirring to combine. Toss in the pasta and cooked chicken, including any juices from the chicken. Adjust the sauce by adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water, if needed, until you reach the desired consistency.

8. For extra flavor, squeeze lemon over the pasta before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

This creamy chicken pasta, featuring a rich garlic butter sauce, delivers a comforting and flavorful meal. The addition of fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy!