Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – sliced into 3/4-1” wide strips
• 2 TBS Unsalted Butter – DIVIDED
• 1 large Shallot – finely diced
• 2 Cloves Garlic – minced
• 1 TBS All Purpose Flour
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 ½ Cups Half-and-Half
• 8 ounces Linguine – broken in half
• 1 ¼ Cup Peas – (thawed if frozen) (SEE NOTES)
• 1 bunch fresh Basil – 1 large sprig left whole, the rest chiffonade (thinly sliced)
• 1 Lemon – zest and juice
• ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese – grated, plus more for serving
• Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper – to taste
• Optional Garnishes: Lemon Slices, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a Dutch oven, large straight-sided skillet, or large pot, over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides, but NOT cooked through, about 4-6 minutes total. Remove chicken to a plate.(Note: The chicken will continue to cook in step 4 of the recipe. Do not overcook the chicken here!)
2. Saute Aromatics, then add flour: Add in the remaining tablespoon of butter.  Once melted, add in the shallot and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add in the garlic (and crushed pepper flakes if using) and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add in the flour and cook, stirring, for another minute.
3. Add liquids: While whisking, slowly add the chicken broth to the pot, followed by the half-and-half.
4. Add chicken, pasta + basil: Add the chicken back to the pot, along with the dry pasta, and a large sprig of basil. Bring to a slow boil, stirring occasionally, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Remove the sprig of basil and discard.
6. Add in the peas, lemon juice and zest. Cook for an additional minute. Stir in the parmesan and chopped basil. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, more parmesan cheese, and slices of lemon if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!