Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Fettuccine

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through making a delicious Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Fettuccine. This recipe highlights the importance of starchy pasta water, which thickens the creamy sauce to perfection, ensuring it clings beautifully to every strand of fettuccine. Let’s get started on creating this luscious dish!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:

• 300g (10.5 oz) fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help thicken your sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms.
2. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they are tender and browned.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
3. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything well.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve the fettuccine hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Conclusion

You've now created a creamy chicken and mushroom fettuccine that is sure to impress! Remember to use the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency. Enjoy your dish as a wonderful dinner option, and feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation. Happy cooking!