Pasta Shells with Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Contributed by Quick From Scratch Chicken and Quick From Scratch Pasta

ACTIVE: 10 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 35 MIN
SERVINGS: 4

FAST

If you've always thought that you dislike Brussels sprouts, you've probably never tried them in a combination like this. Mild chicken tames the strength of the sprouts while garlic, lemon juice, red–pepper flakes, and Parmesan unite the two ...

2 tablespoons cooking oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 pounds in all)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 pound fresh Brussels sprouts (or one 10-ounce package frozen), cut into quarters from top to stem end
1 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1/8 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound medium pasta shells

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon each of the oil and the butter over moderate heat. Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Cook the breasts until browned and just done, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Cut into small pieces.
In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over moderately low heat. Add the red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Brussels sprouts, broth, and red-pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook,covered, until the Brussels sprouts are just done, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken, lemon juice, parsley, Parmesan, and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain and toss with the sauce.

Suggested Pairing

A crisp white wine such as aCchardonnay-based Chablis from France matches up nicely with the acidity of the lemon juice in the sauce.