Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions , quartered and cut into thin slices
1 teaspoon salt
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts ( about 1 1/3 lb )
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary , crumbled or 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 garlic clove , minced
1/2 lb orecchiette
2 ounces blue cheese , crumbled ( about 1/2 cup )
Orecchiette pasta is named after its shape, which is similar to a small ear. It is a traditional pasta from the Puglia region of Italy and is typically served with a variety of sauces and toppings. In this recipe, the pasta is combined with caramelized onions, chicken, and blue cheese for a rich and indulgent dinner. The caramelizing onions add a touch of sweetness to the dish, which pairs well with the tangy blue cheese. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the orecchiette pasta is versatile and provides the perfect base for all the flavors to come together.

Instructions

1.Cook the orecchiette according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2.In a large skillet, heat the butter and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat until the butter has melted. Add the onions and salt to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3.While the onions are cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked all the way through, about 8-10 minutes longer. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
4.In the skillet with the caramelized onions, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken pieces and cooked orecchiette to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Top with the crumbled blue cheese and serve immediately.

PROS

This pasta dish is rich and indulgent, with a combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory chicken, and tangy blue cheese.

The orecchiette pasta is versatile and pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the cheese and butter.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The caramelizing onions take a bit of time, so this dish may not be ideal for busy weeknights.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy, the chicken provides a good source of lean protein.
The onions contain flavonoids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
The blue cheese is a good source of calcium and may help promote healthy bones.

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