Delicious Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in a Lighter Sauce
This pasta dish with chicken and a light mushroom sauce is not just a weeknight winner but also impressively elegant enough to serve at dinner parties. The best part? It’s uncomplicated, made without heavy cream, and is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes or cutlets
- 1 pound of linguine pasta, cooked according to package instructions (reserve ½ cup of pasta water)
- 2 cups of fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup white wine (or substitute with chicken broth or lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh Italian parsley and basil for garnishing
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté it with the mushrooms, cooking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add Flavor
Once the chicken is cooked, add the butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir-fry this mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Create the Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and white wine (or your chosen substitute), stirring well to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve a little pasta water before draining.
Thicken the Sauce
Make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering chicken mixture. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to achieve a slightly thickened sauce.
Toss the Pasta
Once the sauce has thickened, toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency, if needed.
Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and sauce, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and basil before serving. Enjoy your delightful dish!
