Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.
Lactose
This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.
Sodium
This is a low sodium recipe.
GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.
Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten. Use gluten-free pasta in this dish.
“When you are at home, even if the chicken is a little burnt, what's the big deal? Relax.” -Jaques Pepin, Chef
I love the flavor of fennel and it works really well when combined with herbs such as those in this recipe – marjoram, tarragon, thyme, and oregano. These are (sort of) Tuscan flavors and work well for almost any dish. The one thing to remember is the herbs need to be cooked for a bit to take some of the harshness out of them. The other important technique is to not cook at too high a heat if you are grilling or broiling or the herbs will burn.
This recipe started as a grilled chicken folded into the creamy pasta and it is really terrific prepared that way. I placed the chicken breasts, a bit of olive oil and the spices together and marinated for about an hour. The chicken breasts were grilled and added to the creamy pasta.
You can do it that way and you can also serve the grilled (or broiled) chicken breasts at your next cookout but I wanted a way to translate the recipe to one that can be easily made on the stovetop.
Servings: 2 | Serving size: about 2 1/2 cups
Cooking time: 30 minutes
This recipe can easily be multiplied. Leftovers are fair and will keep for about 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Reheat gently.
Place the water in a large saucepan over high heat.
When the water boils, add the pasta. Stir and adjust the heat to a boil but at a temperature that the pasta does not boil over. Stir occasionally.
While the pasta is cooking, place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the sliced onion and cook for about 8 minutes. Adjust the heat so the onions do not brown.
While the onions are cooking, crush the fennel seed with a mortar and pestle or in the blender.
When the onions are just slightly limp, add the fennel, oregano, marjoram, tarragon, thyme, and basil.
Continue to cook the onions and spices for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently.
Add the chicken and increase the heat to medium high. Stir frequently.
When the chicken is cooked through (about 6 minutes) add the goat cheese and salt.
Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water and adjust the heat so the liquid is simmering slowly.
Stir frequently and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce creamy.
Drain the pasta and add to the skillet.
Fold together until well coated with sauce and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: about 2 1/2 cups
Servings: 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 | Calories from Fat 153 |
% Daily Value |
Total Fat 17g | 22% |
Saturated Fat 7g | 36% |
Monounsaturated Fat 6g | |
Trans Fat 0g | |
Cholesterol 85mg | 28% |
Sodium 310mg | 14% |
Total Carbohydrates 50g | 18% |
Dietary Fiber 7g | 26% |
Sugars 5g | |
Protein 34g |
Vitamin A 13% | Vitamin C 7% |
Calcium 15% | Iron 20% |
Vitamin K 10mcg | Potassium 700 mg |