# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz whole wheat spaghettini or regular spaghettini
→ Chicken
02 - 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts about 12 oz total
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Mushrooms and Vegetables
06 - 9 oz cremini or white mushrooms sliced
07 - 2 cloves garlic minced
08 - 1 small yellow onion finely diced
09 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried
10 - 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped optional
→ Sauce
11 - 2 tbsp all purpose flour
12 - 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
13 - 3/4 cup low fat milk 1% or 2%
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
16 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
18 - Extra grated Parmesan optional
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghettini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate, cover loosely, and let rest.
04 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add mushrooms and onion; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.
05 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables; stir well and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard; stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach now if using, stir until wilted.
08 - Slice chicken into strips. Add cooked spaghettini and chicken to the sauce; toss gently to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
