Ingredients
1½tspkosher saltplus more for boiling pasta
1lbshell pastamedium, penne or bowtie can also be used
1tbspolive oilplus more for drizzling
2chicken breastsboneless, skinless
¾tspblack pepperfreshly ground
3tbspunsalted butter
1cupyellow onionfinely diced
4garlic clovesminced
¼cupdry white wine(Pinot Grigio)
1cupsun-dried tomatoes in olive oiljulienne-style, drained
2tbspall-purpose flour
3cupswhole milkor half and half
2tspdried oregano
1bunchtuscan kalestemmed and sliced
2cupsmozzarella cheeseshredded
1cupwhite cheddar cheesegrated
½cupparmesan cheesegrated, plus more for serving
1tbspfresh parsleychopped
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook, flipping halfway, until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly, then chop into ½-inch cubes.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Carefully pour in the white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then simmer until the liquid has fully evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to incorporate.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the vegetables are fully coated. Cook for 2 minutes, until the flour is golden brown and smells nutty.
Add the milk, oregano, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, and the kale. Cook, stirring often, until the kale has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
Add the mozzarella, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses and stir until fully melted and incorporated, about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir until well coated in the sauce. Stir in the chicken.
Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the mac and cheese with the parsley and serve immediately with more Parmesan cheese for topping.
Enjoy!
