Angel Hair Pasta (with Chicken!)

Step 1

Combine chicken broth, half and half, and seasonings and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients. Take a measuring cup (1 cup or larger) and place it in the colander that you’ll use to drain your pasta, this will remind you to save some of the pasta water when that step arrives.

Step 2

Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Place plastic wrap over the chicken and pound each side to about 1-inch thick, it will plump up more when cooked. Pat each side dry. Season with salt/pepper (OR lemon pepper seasoning, see notes). Sprinkle each chicken slice with 1 tbsp. flour and rub it over the surface of each side. (This gives it a little texture and prevents it from sticking to the skillet.)

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until a golden crust develops, 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

Turn the heat off. Add the wine and then set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the “fond” will add more flavor to the sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Start boiling water for the pasta.

Step 6

Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until the flour turns a light brown, and the raw flour smell is cooked off.

Step 7

Add the chicken broth/half and half mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously.

Step 8

Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheese. Cover partially.

Step 9

Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook until no more than al dente (about 4 minutes). Set a timer to avoid overcooking. Use kitchen tongs to lift the pasta from the water now and then to ensure the noodles aren't sticking together.

Step 10

Drain once cooked and reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 11

Add the pasta to the sauce and use kitchen tongs to gently toss to incorporate. Add the chicken and stir to combine.

Step 12

If desired, add pasta water, small splashes at a time, and gently toss until desired consistency is reached.

Step 13

Garnish with parsley and serve!