Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms, a dish that beautifully combines rich cream cheese, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs, elevating any meal to an unforgettable experience. Perfect for a romantic date night or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is renowned for its simplicity and vibrant colors. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken mingling with creamy, herb-infused sauce, complemented by the earthy notes of luscious balsamic mushrooms. Finished with juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, this one-dish meal is not only visually stunning but also bursting with layers of flavor that tantalize the taste buds. Enjoy the ease of preparation while impressing your guests with gourmet flair!
4
Servings
600
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
brown sugar
2 teaspoons
water
1 tablespoon
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (divided)
extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
mushrooms
1 lb (sliced)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon
garlic cloves
9 (minced)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
dried basil
1 teaspoon
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sun-dried tomatoes
8 ounces (drained and chopped)
milk
2 cups
parmesan cheese
6 ounces (grated (about 2 cups))
fresh basil
1/2 cup (sliced into thin strips)
cherry tomatoes
8 ounces (halved)
chicken
1 lb (cooked and chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by allowing the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. If you're using leftover rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces; otherwise, bake or pan-fry chicken breasts and cut them into pieces.
2
2. Prepare the balsamic mushrooms: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Set aside.
3
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add sliced mushrooms and kosher salt, stirring to coat the mushrooms in the fat.
4
4. Allow the mushrooms to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before stirring. Keep cooking while stirring infrequently for about 6 to 7 minutes, until they shrink and develop a rich, golden-brown color.
5
5. Lower the heat and add minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of butter, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully pour in the balsamic mixture, cooking until the liquid reduces to a syrupy consistency that coats the mushrooms, roughly 15-20 seconds. Season with black pepper and set aside.
6
6. While mushrooms cool, prepare the remaining ingredients: shred the parmesan cheese, mince additional garlic, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice basil leaves into thin ribbons.
7
7. Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
8
8. In a medium pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, ensuring the garlic does not burn. Stir in dried basil.
9
9. Add softened cream cheese to the pot, whisking until smooth. Initially, it may appear curdled but continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until creamy and homogeneous. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes.
10
10. Gradually whisk in milk, approximately 1/4 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, salt, and half of the fresh basil. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce reaches your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
11
11. To serve, layer cooked pasta as the base, then add the cooked chicken, spoon over the balsamic mushrooms, and generously drizzle with the creamy sauce. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and remaining basil for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
30g
Carbs
40g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 600 calories per serving.
What are the ingredients for the balsamic glaze?
The balsamic glaze is made by whisking together 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water.
How do I prepare the chicken for this dish?
You can either shred leftover rotisserie chicken or bake/pan-fry fresh chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
What type of mushrooms should I use and how should they be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of mushrooms, which should be sliced before cooking.
How long should the mushrooms cook undisturbed initially?
Mushrooms should be allowed to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before stirring to help them develop a rich, golden-brown color.
What is the secret to getting a smooth sauce with cream cheese?
Whisk softened cream cheese for 2-3 minutes. If it appears curdled initially, continue whisking until it becomes creamy and homogeneous.
How many garlic cloves are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 9 minced garlic cloves.
How is the milk added to the sauce?
Milk should be whisked in gradually, approximately 1/4 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 40g of protein.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The fresh basil should be sliced into thin ribbons (chiffonade) to be used both in the sauce and as a topping.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
Grated parmesan cheese is added to the sauce after the milk has been fully incorporated.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 8 ounces of halved fresh cherry tomatoes.
How much fat is in this dish per serving?
There are 35g of fat per serving.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided for use in the mushrooms and the sauce.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Layer the cooked pasta first, add the chicken, spoon the balsamic mushrooms over it, drizzle with the creamy sauce, and top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
What are the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 17 ingredients listed in the ingredient count.
How do I cook the garlic for the sauce without burning it?
Sauté the minced garlic in melted butter for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
What dried herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil in the sauce base.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Continue to cook and stir the sauce for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the desired consistency is reached.
What fats are used to sauté the mushrooms?
The mushrooms are sautéed in a combination of 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 6 ounces of grated parmesan cheese, which is approximately 2 cups.
How do I season the mushrooms?
Mushrooms are seasoned with kosher salt during sautéing and black pepper once the balsamic glaze has reduced.
Should the cream cheese be cold or room temperature?
The cream cheese should be allowed to soften at room temperature before being added to the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for a romantic occasion?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'romantic dinner' and a 'comfort food' meal.
What is the balsamic mixture's final consistency?
The balsamic mixture should be cooked until it reduces to a syrupy consistency that coats the mushrooms.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as having simplicity and is tagged as an 'easy recipe'.