Rosemary Alfredo Chicken

My first recipe! Before you begin cooking, please note that your sauce will have a lot of lumps. The first time I made this, it was perfect, but when I tried to repeat it, it was lumpy. This is normal. Your sauce might not look perfect, but it will taste perfect! Some health benefits include: tomatoes (for their licopine), chicken (lean, tasty), and whole wheat pasta (more whole grain is better for you).

Tips: Be really careful when making this because cream burns easily! And, do steps 1-3 at the same time. Have a friend or parent help you move things more smoothly. Even if you don't think you need help, you're going to. Timing is key with this recipe!

Things to know: When I say freshly grated or shredded, that means that you buy a large block of cheese and grate it yourself. Already grated or shredded cheese is more processed, and sometimes it gets covered in corn starch and flour to preserve it. Not only this, but freshly grated cheese has a better flavor to it. 

Ingredients

8-10 oz whole wheat linguini

2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 small zucchini, cut into discs

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes

Pine nuts (optional)

For sauce:

2 tbsp butter

1 cup half and half

2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese

Salt, to taste

2 tbsp flour

1 garlic clove, minced

3 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced

2 tsp oregano

Preparation

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add onions. Stir until onions begin to turn transparent. Add chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until almost cooked through. Add zucchini, and cook until chicken is done. Turn pan off. 

2. Meanwhile, boil some water with a bit of olive oil and salt. Once boiling, add noodles and cook according to directions. 

3. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add half and half. Stir for 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat. Add rosemary, cheese, and oregano, and stir. Whisk more, for about 30 seconds – 1 min, and remove from heat.

4. Drain noodles. Put them in a large bowl. Add sauce, chicken, vegetables, and tomatoes. If desired, add pine nuts. Mix well. Serve immediately.