One Recipe, Two Meals: Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken, covered, for 5 minutes. Flip and sear another 5 minutes, covered. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. After a few minutes, give the chicken a good chop.

Step 3

Back in the skillet, add the remaining tablespoon oil. Add the carrots and cook, stirring, until they start to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the onions and asparagus and cook, stirring, until the asparagus is crisp-tender, another few minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Season the veggies with a pinch of salt and pepper and reduce the heat the low.

Step 4

In the meantime, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Once the foaming subsides, add the flour and whisk until the color changes from cream to a golden brown, just a few minutes. Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk over medium heat, until it becomes a bit thicker and creamier. Now, add the Parmesan and a good pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is good and creamy. Taste it and add more salt if needed.

Step 5

Ladle out about 2/3 cup cream sauce and add it to 1 cup cooked pasta, tossing to coat. Divide between 2 kids' plates and top with chopped chicken and extra Parmesan. Done! (Feel free to sprinkle the veggies on the kids' plates, if they'll remotely let you.)

Step 6

Now, back to the cream sauce: stir in the vodka and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 7

For your adult plates, serve the creamy pasta with chicken and a good helping of cooked veggies. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Step 8

Eat!