Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs. chicken Breast, raw

10 oz. penne pasta, uncooked

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 head roasted garlic

2 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 1/3 cup fat free half and half

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Roast the garlic

Leaving the garlic in tact, cut the tip off so that the garlic is showing on the top. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Place on a baking sheet with the cut side up and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on the inside.

For the chicken

While the garlic roasts, pound the chicken breasts to 1/2" thickness with a meat pounder. To avoid this step, buy thinly cut chicken breast.

Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and barbeque on medium heat until cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. You can also pan sear, air fry or bake. See note.

Pasta & Sauce

When the garlic has approximately 10 minutes left of roasting time, start your water for your noodles. Cook noodles according to the package directions.

Remove the garlic from the foil and squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves. Mash with the back of a fork and save for your sauce.

For the sauce

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Cook until melted. Once melted, add the roasted garlic and simmer for one minute while stirring so the garlic does not burn.

Add flour to the garlic butter mixture and mix together well to create your roux.

Slowly add the half and half and whisk until the roux is completely mixed in. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken and remove from the heat.

While the pan is off the heat, add the cheese and whisk together until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Add the cooked pasta noodles to the sauce and mix well to combine.

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add to the dish or serve on top. Top with fresh parsley for garnish.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Sodium: 177 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
• Protein: 35 g