Christmas Pasta

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Char peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until blistered. Cover to steam, then peel, seed, and slice into thin strips. Set aside.

Step 2

Melt 15 g butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast until golden. Set aside.

Step 3

Cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp.

Step 4

Remove pancetta mixture from heat, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Set aside.

Step 5

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sauté in same pan over medium heat until cooked through (≈6–8 minutes per side). Remove, cool slightly, then chop into bite-size pieces.

Step 6

Add shallot and cook 1–2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.Stir in roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped chicken.

Step 7

Cook fusilli in well-salted water until very al dente (about 2 minutes shy of package instructions). Drain.

Step 8

Melt 45 g butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.

Step 9

Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer gently, whisking, until thickened.

Step 10

Stir in Parmesan and 75 g mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 11

Heat oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 12

Combine pasta, chicken mixture, and sauce until evenly coated.

Step 13

Transfer to a lightly buttered baking dish.

Step 14

Top with remaining mozzarella and toasted breadcrumbs.

Step 15

Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.

Step 16

Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes, until bubbling and golden.