Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken

Delight in Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken, a healthy, easy-to-make family dinner packed with flavors and essential nutrients.

Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken is an ideal choice for a family dinner that combines easy preparation with mouthwatering flavors. This dish is simple to make—requiring just a few steps to sauté, simmer, and mix ingredients—and showcases the delightful textures of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and al dente whole wheat pasta.

In around 40 minutes, you can create a wholesome meal

In around 40 minutes, you can create a wholesome meal with your family enthusiastically gathering around the dinner table. The combination of flavors in this dish is nothing short of sensational; the savory chicken and sautéed mushrooms infuse the pasta with a rich, creamy sauce that is both satisfying and comforting.

Whole wheat pasta is a great source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

To top it all off, the vibrant green spinach adds color and nutrition, making the presentation as delightful as the dish itself.

Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken is incredibly delicious and offers numerous health benefits, making it a fantastic choice for a nutritious family meal. Whole wheat pasta is a great source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

The lean chicken breast provides a hearty dose of protein.

The lean chicken breast provides a hearty dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. At the same time, the mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to your family's well-being. Additionally, incorporating fresh spinach enhances iron and vitamin K intake, supporting healthy blood circulation and bone strength.

This dish showcases a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables,.

This dish showcases a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a wholesome, well-rounded option for a family dinner that leaves everyone satisfied without guilt. Amid busy schedules, this pasta dish stands out as not just a meal but a way to bring loved ones together over good food, fostering lively conversations and cherished memories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the Fettuccini:

• Whole Wheat Fettuccini Pasta: 12 ounces (about 3 cups dry)

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (about 2 medium breasts)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking the chicken)

For the Mushrooms:

• Fresh Mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button mushrooms): 8 ounces (sliced, about 4 cups)
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Onion: 1 medium (finely chopped)

For the Sauce:

• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (for a creamy texture)
• Fresh Spinach: 2 cups (washed and chopped)
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (grated, for garnishing)
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup (chopped, for garnishing)
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Salt: to taste

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water:
   • Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon).
   • Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Cook the Fettuccini:
   • Add 12 ounces of whole wheat fettuccini pasta to the boiling water.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
   • Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

3. Season the Chicken:
   • While the pasta is cooking, season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
   • Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes on one side without moving it to develop a good sear.
5. Flip the Chicken:
   • Flip the chicken breasts using tongs and cook for another 6–7 minutes or until fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

6. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add more olive oil if needed.
   • Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet.
   • Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent.
7. Add Mushrooms:
   • Add 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms to the skillet.
   • Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

8. Add Chicken Broth:
   • Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and onions.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Incorporate Cream Cheese:
   • Lower the heat to medium-low and add 4 ounces of low-fat cream cheese to the skillet.
   • Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated into the sauce.
10. Add Spinach:
    • Stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach.
    • Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Step 6: Combine Everything

11. Add Pasta and Chicken:
    • Add the reserved cooked fettuccini pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet.
    • Toss gently to combine everything evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
12. Season:
    • Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve

13. Plate and Garnish:
    • Serve the Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken in bowls.
    • Sprinkle each serving with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil.
14. Enjoy:
    • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Feel free to adjust ingredients and portions based on personal preferences. Enjoy your cooking!

Here’s a list of helpful tips and variations for making Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken:

Helpful Tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, garlic, and spinach enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the fettuccini is cooked al dente for the perfect texture; it should be firm to the bite.
3. Season the Chicken Well: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to ensure the meat is flavorful.
4. Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: If using a large batch of mushrooms or chicken, cook them in batches to avoid steaming.
5. Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce becomes too thick, save a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust its consistency.
6. Add Nutrients with Veggies: For extra nutrition and color, include additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
7. Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can significantly affect flavor.
9. Keep the Sauce Low-Calorie: For a lighter dish, skip the cream cheese and use a little extra chicken broth with nutritional yeast for creaminess.

Variations:

1. Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein source.
2. Vegan Option: Use plant-based pasta, omit the cream cheese, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and cashew cream for added richness.
3. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.
4. Different Cheese: Experiment with cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or ricotta for unique flavors.
5. Pesto Addition: Stir in homemade or store-bought pesto for an extra layer of flavor and a burst of color.
6. Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a refreshing brightness.
7. Mushroom Variety: Try different types of mushrooms like shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varied textures and flavors.
8. Nutty Flavor: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be added as a garnish for added crunch and nutrition.
9. Creamy Alternative: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a healthier creamy option with added protein.

Incorporating these tips and variations can personalize your Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken, making it a versatile and delicious meal!

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