Tender chicken and spaghettini in a velvety mushroom cream sauce—comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly light.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz whole wheat spaghettini or regular spaghettini
→ Chicken
02 - 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 12 oz total
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Mushrooms & Vegetables
06 - 9 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped, optional
→ Sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 3/4 cup low-fat milk, 1% or 2%
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, optional
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghettini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to plate, cover loosely, and let rest.
04 - In same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add mushrooms and onion; sauté 4-5 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.
05 - Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute.
06 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to gentle simmer and cook 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard; stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach if using and stir until wilted.
08 - Slice chicken into strips. Add cooked spaghettini and chicken to sauce; toss gently to coat. Add splash of reserved pasta water if needed for desired sauce consistency.
09 - Plate immediately and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
