What's in Your Pantry?

Chef (and/or owner): Owner/Chef Brandt Evans

Restaurant or Company:
Pura Vida, Public Square
Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern, Twinsburg
Comida, Hudson         

puravidabybrandt.com
bluecanyonrestaurant.com
comidahudson.com

Chef Brandt Evans recommends SuperCook, a website that provides recipes based on ingredients you have on hand.

Creamy Lemon Pasta With Chicken

 Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 12 ounces gemelli or other short pasta
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup peas (thawed, if frozen)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon tarragon, finely chopped

Method:

1. Heat oil in large, deep skillet on medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on all sides (4 to 5 minutes). Transfer to large bowl.

2. Add lemon juice to pan, scraping up brown bits, then pour over chicken.

3. Add broth and pasta to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.

4. Return chicken (and any juices) to skillet and continue to cook until pasta is just tender, about 3 minutes.

5. Add cream cheese, stirring to melt; fold in peas, lemon zest, Parmesan and tarragon.