Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti (or fettuccine)
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (1 pound)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups baby spinach
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until browned and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, then add Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon juice, heavy cream, and cornstarch dissolved in a little water to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the creamy sauce, creating a smooth and flavorful base.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the sliced chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce needs loosening to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta onto plates and garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley for a fresh herb finish.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- If you prefer, dry white wine can be used instead of chicken broth to enhance flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian