Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Mushroom Chicken Pasta pairs tender bite-sized chicken and sautéed white mushrooms with spinach in a creamy, flavorful sauce enriched by Parmesan and a mix of herbs and Dijon mustard. The addition of white wine adds a mild tang and depth. Served over farfalle pasta, this dish provides a balanced, comforting meal with layered savory notes and contrasting textures.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 ¼ cup half and half
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 8 oz. white mushrooms cleaned and patted dry, sliced
- 2 cups spinach packed
- 1 lb. chicken breast boneless, skinless
- black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
- ½ cup white wine See notes, dry
- 3 tablespoons butter salted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- ¾ lb. farfalle pasta see notes
Instructions
Prep Work
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
Cook the Mushrooms/Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes, then lightly sprinkle with salt to enhance their flavor. Add the spinach and sauté for 2 more minutes, until the mushrooms are brown and the spinach is wilted. Remove and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into bite-size cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes, until a brown crust has developed. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce/Cook the Pasta
- Begin boiling a pot of water for the pasta. Once a boil is reached, stir in salt. (I use ½ tbsp. kosher salt.)
- Meanwhile, add the white wine and garlic to the skillet and set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the skillet. Let it reduce by half, about 4 minutes.
- Add the butter and let it melt. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until it begins to brown.
- Reduce heat to medium low. Add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer, partially covered, while you cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain once cooked.
- Gradually sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta gradually, until your desired sauce/pasta ratio is obtained. (I prefer slightly less than ¾ lb.) Add the cooked mushrooms, spinach, and chicken and stir to combine. Cover partially and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve!
Notes
- This recipe makes 6 servings and nutritional values are estimates per serving.
- Dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are preferred; marsala or madeira offer a unique twist. Non-alcoholic wine or chicken broth can substitute for white wine.
- Recommended mushrooms include white button, baby portabella, or cremini. If omitting mushrooms, consider adding extra spinach, sautéed zucchini, or sundried tomatoes.
- Frozen spinach can be used if thawed and patted dry before incorporating.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melt quality to prevent graininess from the sauce.
- Any pasta variety works though farfalle is used here; penne or ziti are good alternatives.
- Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce thickness if necessary.
- Leftovers store in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months; reheat gently by microwave on low or stovetop double boiler to maintain sauce texture.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 427
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 427kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 622mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 610mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1424IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 193mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.