Cheesy Chicken Pasta 

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Cheesy Chicken Pasta a delightful fusion of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Its versatility allows for easy customization with your favorite herbs or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 10 oz (300 g) penne pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups (375 ml) half-and-half or single cream

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red chili flakes

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• 1 cup (125 g) low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

• ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.

4. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and ground black pepper.

6. Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.

7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

8. Final Touches: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 690 kcal

• Protein: 48 g

• Carbohydrates: 64 g

• Fat: 26 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 125 mg

• Sodium: 609 mg

• Potassium: 814 mg

• Calcium: 351 mg

• Iron: 2 mg