Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta

Servings: 2–3

Ingredients

• 1 box pea and millet noodles (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)

• 2 tbsp cooking oil (olive, vegetable, or preferred)

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese

• 1 cup pre-cooked chicken strips (or to taste)

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

• Reserved pasta water (from cooked noodles)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles

   • Boil noodles according to package directions.

   • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the sauce

   • Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.

   • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Stir in black pepper and lemon juice.

3. Combine chicken and noodles

   • Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and cooked chicken to the pan. Stir to combine.

   • Reduce heat to low.

4. Finish the creamy sauce

   • Add shaved parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce becomes creamy.

   • Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired texture is reached.

5. Plate & garnish

   • Serve noodles topped with fresh basil, extra black pepper, and additional parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust garlic and lemon juice to taste.

• Use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken as preferred.

• Add other herbs (thyme, oregano) or proteins (shrimp, tofu) for variety.

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or milk.