“Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta”

Several months ago while visiting family and friends in Ohio, my best friend and I went to one of my favorite restaurants called the Pub. The recipes are based on British foods and it is delicious. Check out the restaurant if you’re in Beavercreek, Ohio. This particular day Suzanne ordered a Reuben which was huge, dripping with all the fixins and I ordered a pasta dish with a smoked Gouda cheese sauce. Outstanding on all accounts I will say as it was loaded with chicken, red bell pepper, onion and mushrooms and served with warm garlic bread. So I knew one day I was going to make a version of this dish or at least do my best. So without further adieu, Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta is born.

My Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta incorporates whole grain pasta tossed with a creamy smoked Gouda cheese sauce. Onions and garlic are sautéed in Olive oil with a hint of nutmeg. Half & half is added to melt cheese, creating a creamy sauce then smoked chicken, mushrooms, and spinach are added with black pepper to taste. Add in your cooked pasta and dinner is served.

Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta

Consequently I use whole grain pasta because it has the reverse effect on my blood sugar than regular white pasta. I don’t get that crash 20 minutes later. Unfortunately they don’t make as many varieties in whole grain but I’ve learned to live without all the choices. This recipe is also made with half & half instead of heavy cream so not as much fat.

So if you’re craving a new pasta dish, try my Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta. As a side note, look for already cooked smoked chicken at your local supermarket otherwise any roasted chicken will work in this dish. It’s the smoked Gouda that gives this dish its smokey flavor. But if you can find smoked chicken, use it by all means. Tonight’s leftovers are definitely gonna be part of a delicious lunch tomorrow.

Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta

Short on time then stir up this great weeknight quick fix for your family. Some nice crusty bread goes quite well with this rich, cheesy pasta dish. Share your comments if you make this recipe or your own version. I’d love to hear from you. Ciao!

Creamy Smoked Chicken Pasta

8 oz. Whole Grain Rotini pasta or your favorite shape

2 T. Olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

2 cups half & half

2 cups grated smoked Gouda cheese

4.5 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained

2 cups coarsely chopped smoked chicken

4 cups baby spinach

Ground black pepper to taste

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions to al dente; drain and set aside.

Heat Olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and nutmeg; cooking until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Reduce heat and pour in half & half and add in smoked Gouda, stirring until cheese melts, about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Stir in mushrooms, smoked chicken and spinach, cook for about 5 minutes; add in cooked pasta. Mix pasta well, adding pepper to taste. Serve immediately in individual pasta bowls.