Mera Wala Cheesy Chicken Pasta

-- By Monalisa Dutta I have been a pasta loyalist ever since I can remember and slowly it has become a great lunch alternative to mundane dal/subzi/roti type Indian food (much to the surprise/delight/annoyance of friends and family). I enjoy pasta in every shape - penne, fusilli, farfalle, shells or spaghetti - and sauce rice, white, green. I wouldnt mind a rainbow pasta either, if there was anything like it. I am sharing with you the pasta recipe that we have been using at home for years now and which has emerged to be a favourite with everyone. Youre sure to become a fan too! Ingredients Method Chicken Stock Preparation: 1. Pour 4 cups of water in a large saucepan and add 1/2 tsp of salt to it. 2. Add chicken to the water and boil till chicken becomes tender. 3. Drain and keep the chicken stock separately from the chicken. Pasta Preparation: 1. Pour 2 cups of chicken stock into a large saucepan and bring to the boil (keep the remaining stock on the side) 2. Add pasta and cook until half cooked. 3. Add chicken to the pasta and remove from heat. 4. While the pasta is cooking, heat butter in another saucepan. 5. Add mushrooms, capsicums and broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened. 6. Add flour and then cook while stirring over shallow flame for approx.1 min. 7. Now add 1 cup of stock and stir continuously until the mixture thickens. 8. Then add 1 cup of grated cheese to this pasta mixture and continue stirring. 9. Now pour the prepared mixture onto a baking dish. 10. Add a lightly beaten egg and sprinkle the grated cheese and dry breadcrumbs on top. 11. Bake until pasta becomes golden and crispy on top. 12. After baking, take the pasta out of the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before you serve, so that the sauce thickens. 200g pasta (make that whole-wheat for a healthier alternative) 300g sliced boneless chicken 2 tbsp butter cup sliced mushrooms cup diced capsicums cup sliced broccoli 2 tbsp flour 3 cups chicken stock 2 cups grated cheese (I prefer Parmesan, but Cheddar is fine too) 1 lightly beaten egg 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Red Chilli Flakes and Oregano, to taste

13. Garnish with ground black pepper, red chilli flakes and oregano and serve.