Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Ingredients

• 12 chicken breast(400g)
• 21 teaspoon onion powder(2.5g)
• 31 teaspoon garlic powder(3g)
• 40.5 teaspoon black pepper(1g)
• 51.5 teaspoon salt(9g)
• 61 teaspoon Italian seasoning(2g)
• 70.5 teaspoon paprika(1g)
• 80.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes(0.5g)
• 92 tablespoon olive oil(27g)
• 103 tablespoon unsalted butter(42g)
• 111 bay leaf(0.5g)
• 12300 g rigatoni pasta(300g)
• 131 purple onion(120g)
• 141 green bell pepper(120g)
• 151 tablespoon garlic paste(15g)
• 160.5 cup pesto(120g)
• 171 cup heavy cream(240g)
• 180.25 cup pasta water(60g)
• 192 tablespoon parsley(8g)
• 202 tablespoon cornstarch(16g)
• 212 tablespoon water (for slurry)(30g)
• 220.5 cup parmesan cheese(50g)
• 230.5 cup melting cheese (e.g., mozzarella)(56g)

Instructions

1. 1Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner cutlets.
2. 2Season both sides of the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasonings in.
3. 3Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Add 1 tablespoon of butter on top, cover, and let finish cooking. Remove and let cool before slicing.
4. 4Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a bay leaf and salt. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
5. 5Chop the purple onion and green bell pepper.
6. 6In a large pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
7. 7Add the garlic paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
8. 8Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and chopped parsley.
9. 9Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
10. 10Add the parmesan cheese and melting cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
11. 11Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
12. 12Slice the cooked chicken and serve on top of the creamy pesto pasta.