Creamy Penne with Tuscan Chicken
Servings
2Serving size
about 2 1/2 cupsThis recipe can easily be multiplied. Leftovers are fair and will keep for about 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Reheat gently.
Ingredients
| 4 quart Water |
| 4 ounce Whole Wheat Penne (or gluten free penne) |
| 2 tsp. Olive oil |
| 1 large White onions (thinly sliced) |
| 1 Tbsp., whole Fennel seed |
| 1 tsp., leaves Dried oregano |
| 1 tsp. Dried marjoram |
| 1/8 tsp., ground Dried tarragon |
| 1/4 tsp., leaves Dried thyme |
| 1/2 tsp., leaves Dried basil |
| 6 ounces Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into thin strips) |
| 2 ounce Semisoft goat cheese |
| 1/8 tsp. Salt |
| 1 to taste Black pepper |
Instructions
When the water boils, add the pasta. Stir and adjust the heat to a boil but at a temperature that the pasta does not boil over. Stir occasionally.
While the pasta is cooking, place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the sliced onion and cook for about 8 minutes. Adjust the heat so the onions do not brown.
While the onions are cooking, crush the fennel seed with a mortar and pestle or in the blender.
When the onions are just slightly limp, add the fennel, oregano, marjoram, tarragon, thyme, and basil.
Continue to cook the onions and spices for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently.
Add the chicken and increase the heat to medium high. Stir frequently.
When the chicken is cooked through (about 6 minutes) add the goat cheese and salt.
Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water and adjust the heat so the liquid is simmering slowly.
Stir frequently and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce creamy.
Drain the pasta and add to the skillet.
Fold together until well coated with sauce and serve.
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Special Diet Information
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Lactose
This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.
Recipe Notes
I love the flavor of fennel and it works really well when combined with herbs such as those in this recipe – marjoram, tarragon, thyme, and oregano. These are (sort of) Tuscan flavors and work well for almost any dish. The one thing to remember is the herbs need to be cooked for a bit to take some of the harshness out of them. The other important technique is to not cook at too high a heat if you are grilling or broiling or the herbs will burn.
This recipe started as a grilled chicken folded into the creamy pasta and it is really terrific prepared that way. I placed the chicken breasts, a bit of olive oil and the spices together and marinated for about an hour. The chicken breasts were grilled and added to the creamy pasta.
You can do it that way and you can also serve the grilled (or broiled) chicken breasts at your next cookout but I wanted a way to translate the recipe to one that can be easily made on the stovetop.