15 facts about pasta:

1. 1. Not only is pasta simple to make and equally delicious, but there are plenty of interesting facts about Italy’s favorite dish right here!
   2. Pasta is a type of noodle that is used in cooking.
   3. It is a staple food of most Italian cuisines.
   4. The first reference to pasta, in a book, was in 1154.
   5. It is typically made from durum wheat flour.
   6. Most pasta falls under two categories – it is either dry, or it is fresh.

1. There are over 600 types of pasta, and some have over 1300 names.
2. The three most popular pastas’ are: penne, spaghetti and macaroni.
3. There are many varieties of pasta, such as: long pasta, short pasta, minute pasta, egg pasta, fresh pasta and al forno pasta.
4. Fresh egg pasta contains egg, which makes it all the more tender when cooking.
5. Pasta can be served in multiple ways. It can be mixed with a sauce or a fresh condiment, it can be stirred into soups or stews, and it can also be baked.
6. Fresh pasta is often served with meat, in dishes such as ravioli.
7. Dried pasta doubles in size when cooked and is often served with thick hearty sauces.
8. The traditional Italian way of cooking pasta is known as ‘al dente’.
9. If pasta is cooked properly, it should stick to a wall when it is thrown.

INGREDIENTS:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 tablespoon cajun seasoning

8 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream, or more, to taste

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS:

In a gallon size Ziploc bag, add chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil and cajun seasoning, shaking to coat thoroughly.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a grill pan over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook, flipping once, until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in heavy cream and lemon zest. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more heavy cream as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Stir in pasta and gently toss to combine.

Serve immediately with chicken, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, if desired.

ENJOY!