Lemony Spaghetti with Chicken & Brussels

• Once water is boiling, add spaghetti to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. • Reserve 1½ cups pasta cooking water (2 cups for 4 servings), then drain. (Keep empty pot handy for Step 4.) • Meanwhile, melt 1 TBSP plain butter (2 TBSP for 4) in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add panko and cook, stirring, until golden and toasted, 2-3 minutes. Stir in half the chives and season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat; transfer to a small bowl. Wipe out pan.

• Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and slightly softened, 4-6 minutes. • Stir in a pinch of chili flakes if desired; cook for 30 seconds more. Turn off heat.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a second large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken or sausage; cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

• Once spaghetti is drained, heat empty pot over medium heat. Add cheese roux and 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water (1½ cups for 4 servings); whisk to combine. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. • Reduce heat to medium low and whisk in cream cheese until melted and combined.

• Add drained spaghetti, Brussels sprouts, garlic herb butter, Parmesan, half the lemon zest, remaining chives, and a big squeeze of lemon juice to pot with sauce. Cook, tossing, until butter has melted and pasta is coated in a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. TIP: If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time. • Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add more lemon juice if desired.

Add chicken or sausage to sauce along with drained spaghetti.