Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. 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.

1. 1. 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. 3. Season the Chicken:

      • • While the pasta is cooking, season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. 3. 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.

3. 3. Flip the Chicken:

      • • Using tongs, flip the chicken breasts 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. 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.

6. 6. Add Mushrooms:

      • • Add 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms to the skillet.
      • • Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

8. 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.

8. 8. 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.

8. 8. 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. 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.

11. 11. Season:

        • • Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve

13. 13. Plate and Garnish:

        • • Serve the Fettuccini Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken in bowls.
        • • Sprinkle each serving with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.

13. 13. Enjoy:

        • • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Feel free to adjust ingredients and portions based on personal pr