Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Dried Pasta (Penne or Rotini work best) – $1.00
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces – $4.50
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced – $0.25
- 2 cups Whole Milk – $0.80
- 3 tbsp Butter – $0.45
- 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour – $0.10
- 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning – $0.10
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste – $0.05
- Optional: 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan – $1.00
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While you wait for the water, chop your chicken thighs into small, even pieces and mince the garlic. Measure out your milk and flour so they are ready to go. Once the water boils, cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil or a small pat of butter. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour to create a paste and cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the remaining Italian seasoning and the Parmesan cheese if you are using it.
- Add the cooked pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Portion the pasta into four bowls and serve immediately while it is hot and creamy.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes