Chicken Linguine
Creamy chicken linguine combines tender shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce, all coated in flavorful cheeses. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate comforting, cheesy pasta with a sophisticated twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 2 Tbsp. reduced calorie margarine, melted and divided ⓘ
- 4 (4 oz.) skinned, boned chicken breast halves ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 cups canned no salt added chicken broth, undiluted and divided
- 1 (8 oz.) carton nonfat sour cream alternative
- 16 oz. pkg. linguine, uncooked
- 1/2 cup (2 cup) shredded reduced fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute mushrooms in sherry and 1 tablespoon margarine in a nonstick skillet over high heat for 5 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts in a saucepan, add water to cover, bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Drain the chicken, let cool, and shred.
- Coat a saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add chopped onion and saute until tender.
- Combine flour and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Add 2 1/2 cups chicken broth and flour mixture to the onion, cook until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Stir in nonfat sour cream alternative.
- Cook linguine according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.
- Combine mushroom mixture, shredded chicken, sour cream mixture, Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked linguine.
- Spoon the mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- Combine bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and margarine to make topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the dry sherry with white wine or vegetable broth. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling and shredding your own. To enhance the dish, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or include vegetables such as spinach for added nutrition. This recipe can also be made lighter by using whole wheat linguine.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Linguine pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables to add some color and nutrition. For those who enjoy Italian recipes, consider a light dessert like sorbet or panna cotta to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second increments until warmed through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Linguine contains roughly 277 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Always check the internal temperature to reach at least 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I use instead of sour cream alternative?
If you can't find a nonfat sour cream alternative, you can use plain Greek yogurt or regular sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try using a cashew cream or coconut yogurt. These substitutions will still provide creaminess to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Chicken Linguine vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full-flavored dish. Browse more vegetarian recipes for additional ideas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).