Creamy Chicken & Shiitake Mushroom Basil Pesto Pasta
Indulge in a delightful culinary creation with our Creamy Chicken & Shiitake Mushroom Basil Pesto Pasta! This dish marries tender chicken breasts with earthy shiitake mushrooms, enveloped in a luscious, aromatic basil pesto sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this one-dish meal comes together effortlessly, allowing you to savor the rich flavors in every bite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious and wholesome recipe that will leave them asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
4 (boneless and skinless)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Butter
1 tablespoon
Shiitake mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (pressed)
Basil pesto
1 cup (or to taste)
Campanelle pasta
12 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
2
In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil and return to medium-high heat. Add the pressed garlic and sauté for around 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.
4
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing well with the mushrooms. Allow the flavors to meld for about 3-4 minutes.
5
Stir in the basil pesto and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
6
Toss the chicken and mushroom mixture with cooked campanelle pasta until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Shiitake Mushroom Basil Pesto Pasta?
This is a flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and aromatic basil pesto tossed with campanelle pasta.
What kind of chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How long should I cook the chicken breasts?
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
What are shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms are edible mushrooms known for their rich, savory, and earthy flavor profile.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute shiitake mushrooms with cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms if preferred.
Should I wash the shiitake mushrooms?
It is recommended to wipe them with a damp paper towel instead of washing to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of campanelle pasta.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle are excellent alternatives for holding the pesto sauce.
How should I cook the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked according to the instructions on the package before being tossed with the other ingredients.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a one-dish meal that combines protein, vegetables, and pasta in a single skillet.
What kind of pesto should I use?
You can use 1 cup of store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
Can I make the basil pesto from scratch?
Absolutely, homemade basil pesto will provide a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe suggests using 2 cloves of garlic that have been pressed.
Why is both olive oil and butter used?
Olive oil is used for its high smoke point during searing, while butter adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the pressed garlic for approximately 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would complement the flavors well.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that is both delicious and wholesome.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the campanelle pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
How can I make a vegetarian version?
You can omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini.
Can this meal be prepared in advance?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time and assemble when ready to eat.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
It is not recommended to freeze the fully assembled dish as the texture of the pasta and pesto may change.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or oil if the pasta seems dry.
Can I add cheese to the finished dish?
Yes, a sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino romano cheese would be a great addition.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
A light green salad or some crusty garlic bread would pair perfectly.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the flavors are savory and aromatic rather than spicy.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe typically yields 4 to 6 servings.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken; simply add it to the skillet when you would return the sliced chicken.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from the combination of basil pesto and the richness of the butter and mushroom juices.