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overhead chicken mushroom pasta

Creamy Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Pan Fry
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Creamy chicken mushroom pasta with chicken sausage, mushrooms, spinach, and whole wheat pasta. This hearty meal is so cozy and easy to make!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups whole wheat bow-tie pasta or regular
  • 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 12-14 oz. mild Italian chicken sausage, removed from casing
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 12 oz. cremini or white mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth, homemade or store bought
  • 2 Tbsp. basil pesto, homemade or store bought
  • 2 oz. fresh baby spinach, about 2 cups
  • Fresh chopped parsley or basil, optional, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. No need to rinse.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, add the butter and remaining olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the mushrooms and shallots. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop color, then stir and continue cooking another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.

  4. Add the garlic and oregano, and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a light roux.

  5. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Season again with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the sausage to the pan. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the sausage is cooked through.

  6. Stir in the pesto, then fold in the spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

  7. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well coated in the sauce. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like.


Notes

  • Pasta: I like whole wheat bow-tie pasta for this recipe but any short-cut pasta will work. 
  • Sausage: You can use Italian chicken, turkey, or pork sausage. Or even a blend. Just make sure to remove the sausage from the casing if not using bulk.
  • Cooking Mushrooms: To ensure the mushrooms brown properly, make sure your skillet is big enough to fit the mushrooms without overcrowding too much. Otherwise, cook the mushrooms in batches. I recommend a deep skillet or a saute pan.
  • Leftovers: Leftover pasta stored in an airtight container will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Warm up the pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a little chicken broth or milk. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 397
  • Sugar: 5.1 g
  • Sodium: 424.7 mg
  • Fat: 22.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33.4 g
  • Protein: 19.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg