Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (seasoned and cooked)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for seasoning chicken)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp mixed herbs or oregano
• 2.5 tbsp butter (to cook chicken; range 2-3 tbsp)
• 3.5 halal turkey bacon (range 3-4 strips)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying bacon)
• 1 tbsp butter (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp oil (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp garlic (chopped)
• 0.5 onion (diced)
• 1 tomato (medium, chopped)
• 0.33 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (dissolved in 1/2 cup pasta water)
• salt (to taste)
• 1 packet linguine pasta (approx 16 oz)
• cheese (for topping)
• parsley (for topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the chicken breasts evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon mixed herbs or oregano.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until fully done and golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same skillet (or a separate one), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the turkey bacon and fry until browned and crispy. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   For the sauce, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic and 1/2 diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.

5. 5

   Add the chopped medium tomato, 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. 6

   Stir in 1 cup of cream and 1 cup of milk.

7. 7

   Dissolve 1 chicken bouillon cube in 1/2 cup of hot pasta water and add this mixture to the sauce. Simmer the sauce until it has slightly thickened.

8. 8

   While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente.

9. 9

   Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and chop the bacon, then add them into the pasta and sauce mixture.

10. 10

    Toss everything together until well coated. Top with extra sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, fresh parsley, and a pinch of oregano before serving.

Notes

For a saucier pasta, ensure you use the 1/2 cup of pasta water mixed with the chicken cube. You can use either mixed herbs or dried oregano for the chicken seasoning.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• creamy
• chicken
• dinner
• halal
• tuscan chicken