Sauteed Chicken In Cream Sauce
Creamy sautéed chicken with mushrooms, celery, and herbs in a rich sauce served over colorful corkscrew noodles, perfect for a comforting and flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts, split, boned, skinned or chicken tenders
- 2 Tbsp. oleo ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mushroom slices ⓘ
- 1 c. celery slices ⓘ
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chervil leaves (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 c. white wine or sherry ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed
- 1/3 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. tri-colored corkscrew noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into strips.
- Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken, mushroom slices, celery slices, sliced onion, basil, chervil (if using), and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Add 2 tablespoons of white wine or sherry and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, combine cream cheese, milk, and remaining wine.
- Stir over low heat until smooth.
- Place cooked and drained tri-colored corkscrew noodles on a platter.
- Top noodles with the cooked chicken mixture.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also substitute the tri-colored corkscrew noodles with any pasta shape you have on hand. If you want a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; try using fresh basil instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A light white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. This recipe also makes a great filling for a homemade chicken noodle soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and cream sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may cause the cream cheese to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauteed Chicken In Cream Sauce contains roughly 852 calories, with 14g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess of the sauce slightly. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
What can I use if I don't have white wine or sherry?
If you don't have white wine or sherry on hand, you can use chicken broth or a splash of vinegar mixed with water as a substitute. This will still provide moisture and flavor to the dish without the alcohol. For a sweeter note, consider apple juice or even a splash of lemon juice.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and cream sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken mixture and combine it with the cream sauce before serving over the noodles. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
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).