Creamy Chicken Pasta

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Prepare the Seasoned Chicken: In a small bowl, mix half and half with chicken broth, garlic powder, and all dried seasonings (onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and smoked paprika). Set this mixture aside for later use.
Season and Sear Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner cuts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly dust with flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into strips.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Return to the skillet and deglaze it with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the broth to reduce slightly. Then, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, letting it cook for about a minute. Stir in flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Blend and Simmer: Gradually pour in the pre-prepared half and half and chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly to blend well. Add the chicken bouillon cube and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.

Combine Chicken and Cheese: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. Adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the luscious, creamy sauce. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice if desired for an extra pop of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the creamy chicken pasta, garnishing with a bit of extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, savory meal!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4