Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Who doesn't love cheese, chicken and pasta?

Ingredients

• 300g penne pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 450g chicken, bite-size pieces

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 250ml chicken stock

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 1 ½ cups single cream

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red chili flakes

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Parsley leaf (optional)

Method

1. Cook the pasta until al dente and reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water.

2. Heat the oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 mins until golden all sides then set aside.

4. In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for one min on medium heat.

5. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.

6. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously until creamy.

7. Pour in the cream and whisk well so there are no lumps.

8. Simmer for 2-3 mins until thickened slightly.

9. Add the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes and ground black pepper and stir.

10. Stir in the cheddar cheese and whisk well until you have a creamy, thick sauce.

11. Add the pasta and toss well to coat, add some pasta water if needed.

12. Return the chicken to the pan and toss well to combine.

13. Stir in the grated Parmesan and sprinkle with parsley leaf.