Finding comfort in farfalle
There seems to be a direct correlation between the comfort level of a food and the amount of heavy cream that it takes to make that dish. The creamier and heavier, the better! To me, just about every food can be labeled comfort food. Well, except for food from Chipotle - I’m definitely most uncomfortable after an attempt at polishing off one of their ridiculously ginormous burritos.
One of our favorite places to stop for a bite to eat between-errands on the weekends is La Madeleine. What’s not to love? Inspirational strawberries drowning in Romanov sauce, a display case of sweet pastries, a tended counter full of savory dishes baked in puff pastries, and our personal favorite: Chicken Pesto Pasta.
It’s rich, thick, and creamy - and very waist-line unfriendly. I decided to give La Madeleine’s Chicken Pesto Pasta a whirl at home and lighten the recipe up a bit. How was it? My husband gave it the “good enough for leftovers vote” - pretty darn good!
Chicken Pesto Pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 chicken breast, cut into slices
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp Smart Balance (or butter)
1 1/2 tsp flour
1 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
2 Tbsp pesto
1/2 lb Farfalle, cooked and drained
1/4 cup tomatoes, for garnish
2 basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Add oil to a saute pan and cook the chicken over medium heat until done. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Add butter, garlic, and flour, mixing until bubbly. Add half-and-half and stir until combined. Whisk in the pesto and bring to a boil, cooking until thickened. Add chicken and cooked farfalle to the pan and toss to coat well. Serve topped with tomatoes and chopped fresh basil.
Yields 2 dinner-sized servings and enough for my husband’s lunch tomorrow.
I just happened to stumble across Once Upon a Feast’s weekly blogging event, Presto Pasta Nights. We eat pasta 4 times a week, easy, so I look forward to participating regularly!
April 19th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
I just discovered La Madeleine and it is so wonderful. I love their quiches and caesar salad. Since we don’t eat out often I had to start recreating them at home (I found a low-cal caeser dressing that tastes so good). I need to go back soon and try something else. I will have to try this recipe, I am all about delicious pasta dishes, especially when made with FF half and half instead of heavy cream!
April 20th, 2007 at 1:24 am
It’s fun when we can re-create a restaurant meal, make it healthier and keep it tasty all at the same time… Well Done!
April 20th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Lol, love your conclusion on cream and comfort. Thanks for including me in your blogroll!
April 20th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
OMG…I love Le Madeleine’s. I was in Dallas for 6 years working and came home 7 years ago..I still miss that place. Thanks for the memories!!
April 20th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
La Madeleine….Yum! I love going there. I recreated their Tomatoe Basil Soup (http://melecotte.blogspot.com/2007/01/la-madeleines-tomato-basil-soup.html) several months back, which was tasty. I can’t wait to try this! Thanks!
April 21st, 2007 at 10:02 pm
This looks delicious! I’m happy to hear you had success with the FF half and half, I am always a it weary of it.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:22 am
I’ve heard much of this recipe from La Madeleine and I’m anxious to try this!
April 24th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
This looks amazing! I am going to have to give it a try (PS. This is Krashed from the Nest. Now that I know who’s blog this is I feel safe to post and drool over your foodie creations.)
April 25th, 2007 at 8:27 am
This looks delicious, I’ve been craving a good creamy pasta!
January 9th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I used to live in San Antonio for about 3-4 years back in 2000; About 2 years ago my daughter and I visited some friends in Washington D.C.; Where I saw a familiar restaurant! We didn’t and eat at that time; but I sure wish I could’ve had one last moment with my Bow-tie Chicken Pasta! I now have lived in Las Vegas for 3 1/2 Years; and NOTHING has compared to this delicious plate! I am 3 months pregnant and am still having cravings of this place! I am so glad I came across this recipe; I can try to duplicate, but nothing compares to the Original “La Madeleine” dishes; from Breakfast to desserts; this is one of my absolute favorite restaurants!! Thanks for the info: