### **Creamy Chicken Pasta 🍝**

This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make it:

#### **Ingredients:**

– **Chicken Breast:** 1 lb, sliced in half lengthwise to form thinner cuts
– **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup, for deglazing and adding flavor
– **Flour:** 2 tablespoons, for coating the chicken
– **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon, for seasoning
– **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
– **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons, for seasoning the chicken
– **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken
– **Butter:** 3 tablespoons, for creating a rich sauce
– **Garlic:** 3 cloves, minced, for flavor
– **Half and Half:** 1 1/4 cups, for a creamy sauce
– **Chicken Bouillon Cube:** 1/2, for additional flavor
– **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/3 cup, grated, for a cheesy richness
– **Romano Cheese:** 1/3 cup, grated, for added depth of flavor
– **Pasta:** 1/2 lb, of your choice
– **Lemon (Optional):** For a touch of brightness
– **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon, for seasoning
– **Garlic Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, for additional flavor
– **Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon, dried
– **Basil:** 1/2 teaspoon, dried
– **Mustard Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon, for a subtle tang
– **Parsley:** 1/2 teaspoon, dried
– **Smoked Paprika:** 1/8 teaspoon, for a smoky touch

#### **Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:**

– In a bowl, blend the half and half with chicken broth. Add onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Chicken:**

– Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to form thinner cuts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
– Lightly coat the chicken with flour to help with browning and sauce thickening.

**3. Cook the Chicken:**

– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.

**4. Deglaze the Pan:**

– While the pasta water is coming to a boil, deglaze the skillet with chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the sauce. Let the broth reduce slightly.

**5. Prepare the Sauce Base:**

– Add butter to the skillet with the reduced broth and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
– Sprinkle in some flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

**6. Create the Creamy Sauce:**

– Gradually add the prepared chicken broth and half and half mixture to the skillet. Add the bouillon cube and keep the sauce at a low simmer, stirring occasionally until it starts to thicken.

**7. Cook the Pasta:**

– Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

**8. Finish the Sauce:**

– Melt the Parmesan and Romano cheeses into the simmering sauce, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

**9. Combine and Serve:**

– Add the drained pasta and chicken strips to the skillet, stirring until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce. For extra flavor, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top if desired.

**10. Garnish and Enjoy:**

– Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra grated cheese if desired. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal!

### **Tips for Success:**

– **Chicken Searing:** Ensure that the chicken is seared properly to develop a rich flavor base for the sauce.
– **Sauce Consistency:** Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a bit of reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick.
– **Cheese Choices:** You can mix and match different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

### **Prep Time:** 15 minutes | **Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes | **Total Time:** 35-40 minutes | **Servings:** 4

This creamy chicken pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture with every bite!