Pasta cremosa al limone con pollo

Ingredienti

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup shallots, (minced)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed, and at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces ziti
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, (julienned)
• crushed red pepper flakes, (optional)

Preparazione

1. 1

   --- Cook Chicken: ---

2. 2

   Season chicken pieces (1 1/2 pounds) generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add half the chicken in a single layer, and cook without stirring, until one side is browned about 2 minutes. Turn the chicken and brown the other side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.

3. 3

   Melt butter (2 tablespoons) in the same skillet then saute shallots (1/3 cup) and garlic (2 teaspoons) over medium-low heat until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan as veggies cook to lift up the brown bits from cooking the chicken.

4. 4

   Sprinkle flour (2 tablespoons) over vegetables and cook, whisking constantly for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Remove the pan from heat and slowly whisk in cream (1 1/2 cups) until smooth. Stir in lemon juice (1/4 cup) and lemon zest (2 teaspoons).

6. 6

   Cook pasta (8 ounces) according to package instructions in well-salted water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain.

7. 7

   Return the skillet to medium and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and stir cream cheese (4 ounces), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and pepper (1/4 teaspoon), and simmer gently until cheese is melted.

8. 8

   Add the pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Thin out sauce, as needed, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time (you likely won't use the whole 1 cup).

9. 9

   Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes and serve.