Light Pasta Da Vinci: A Wholesome Twist on Classic Comfort Recipe

Introduction

Light Pasta Da Vinci is a wholesome twist on a classic comfort dish, combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a silky Madeira wine sauce. This recipe delivers rich flavors while keeping the meal light and satisfying, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried penne pasta
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
• 1 pound chicken breast
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 small red onion
• 1 pound sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 cups Madeira wine
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chicken by patting it dry, cutting into cubes, and tossing with salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes each until golden brown. Remove and let rest while preparing vegetables.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the red onions for 3-4 minutes until slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook undisturbed to allow caramelization, then stir and cook for about 5 more minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes if using; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Whisk together the remaining cornstarch with the Madeira wine and half and half. Pour this mixture into the pan to deglaze, stirring to combine.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken to the pan, simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Step 8: Toss in the cooked penne pasta along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
9. Step 9: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted. Serve the pasta warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
• Substitute chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
• For a richer sauce, replace half and half with light cream or milk.
• Reserve some fresh parsley or basil to garnish the finished dish for extra freshness.
• If Madeira wine is unavailable, dry sherry or a light white wine can be good substitutes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or half and half to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle, as they hold the sauce nicely.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?

Yes, the starchy pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce, giving it a silky texture that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Light Pasta Da Vinci: A Wholesome Twist on Classic Comfort Recipe

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Light Pasta Da Vinci is a wholesome and flavorful twist on the classic pasta comfort dish featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a silky Madeira wine sauce. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients with a creamy yet light sauce to create a satisfying meal perfect for a nourishing dinner.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces dried penne pasta
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Chicken

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 pound sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Madeira wine
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and cut into cubes. Toss the chicken with 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cubes in batches for 2-3 minutes each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced red onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and turn slightly golden, absorbing the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.
4. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the onions. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to caramelize, then stir and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until they release moisture and brown nicely.
5. Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
6. Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining cornstarch with Madeira wine and half and half until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce thicken and come to a gentle simmer.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
8. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta and reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet. Stir well and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes to let the pasta absorb some sauce and warm through.
9. Final Touch: Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve the pasta warm, garnished if desired.

Notes

• Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
• Make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan for a better sear.
• If you prefer a less rich dish, substitute half and half with whole milk.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Light pasta recipe, chicken pasta, Madeira wine sauce, healthy pasta, low fat dinner, penne pasta dish, mushroom pasta sauce