This is a staple meal at our house.  It’s comfort food through and through.  When I put this on the table, every one is quiet as they immediately start scarfing it down…even the picky eater.  Besides, any dish that starts with bacon can’t be bad, right?  We make this with Lactose free milk instead of cream for our delicate tummies and you could forgo the bacon (why you’d want to I don’t know…but if we don’t have any around, I’ve been known to make it without.) if you wish.  This is a two pan dish that you can make in about 30 min.

 

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Chicken

 

Ingredients:

• 3 strips bacon – chopped
• 1 yellow onion – diced
• 6+ cloves garlic – minced
• 2 chicken breasts cut in chunks
• 2 or 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup green peas
• salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Method:

In large skillet brown your bacon.  When it’s cooked, remove with slotted spoon reserving the fat (you only need a few table spoons so remove any excess) and set aside.

Put your pasta water on to boil…

Saute onion in remaining fat and add chicken when onions are semi-soft.  Cook until chicken is done through and add garlic.  Saute for a moment to remove the harsh, raw garlic taste but you don’t want to overcook the garlic.  Add your flour and stir until all the remaining fat is absorbed.

Your water should be boiling – add your noodles…

Wisk in your milk and stir well to remove any lumps that may form.  Bring to the boil and reduce the heat.  Let thicken, stirring often.  Now is the time to judge.  Is it too thick?  Add a bit more milk to thin it out.  I like it thick enough that my wisk makes trails in the pan, but they disappear pretty quickly.  You want it just thick enough to coat the noodles a bit.

Add your peas, stir and just leave it be so the flavors blend.  If you feel it’s not thick enough then leave it over med heat to reduce a bit…if you’re happy then turn it to low. It’s ok if it forms a bit of a ‘skin’ on top (eww!)  You can stir it again later and it will be fine.

When your pasta is cooked, drain it well but don’t rinse it.  Pour your sauce over the top, garnish with bacon bits and you’re done!

YUMM

 

yield – 6 servings

time – 30 min