Creamy Mushroom Chicken Spaghettini

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Spaghettini is a comforting, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet stays light. This dish features tender chicken breast and skinny spaghettini tossed in a velvety, lighter mushroom cream sauce, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and flavorful dinner.

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The use of whole wheat spaghettini adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while the light milk-based sauce ensures the dish remains refreshing. This Italian-inspired meal is designed to be both easy to prepare and impressively delicious.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10.5 oz) whole wheat spaghettini (or regular spaghettini)
• Chicken: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g / 12 oz total), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil
• Mushrooms & Vegetables: 250 g (9 oz) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small yellow onion, finely diced, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried), 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
• Sauce: 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 3/4 cup (180 ml) low-fat milk (1% or 2%), 1/4 cup (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, extra grated Parmesan (optional)

Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.

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Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghettini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate, cover loosely, and let rest.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add mushrooms and onion; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables; stir well and cook for 1 minute.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard; stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (Add spinach now if using, stir until wilted.)

Step 8

Slice chicken into strips. Add cooked spaghettini and chicken to the sauce; toss gently to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for desired sauce consistency.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key to ensuring they cook evenly in the skillet. Additionally, always remember to reserve a bit of the pasta water, as its starch content helps the light cream sauce cling perfectly to the spaghettini.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with extra mushrooms or a can of white beans. The recipe also works well with turkey breast. If you have dietary restrictions, simply use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. For a complete Italian-inspired experience, pair the meal with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and offer extra grated Parmesan at the table.

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This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Spaghettini is a reliable favorite for anyone seeking a comforting yet balanced dinner. It perfectly combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a light sauce for a meal that is as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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Questions & Answers

→ Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat spaghettini?

Yes, regular spaghettini works beautifully and may cook slightly faster. Whole wheat offers additional fiber and nutty flavor, but choose based on your preference and dietary needs.

→ How do I prevent lumps in the cream sauce?

Whisk the broth and milk gradually into the flour mixture while stirring constantly. This tempers the dairy and prevents lumping. Continue whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth simmer.

→ What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

Add reserved pasta water by the tablespoon to loosen a thick sauce, or simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it further. The starch in pasta water helps maintain silky consistency.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken and double the mushrooms, or add a can of drained white beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent sauce separation.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Cook all components separately and store. Assemble just before serving to maintain al dente pasta and silky sauce texture. The sauce and chicken can be prepared up to a day in advance.