Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that bursts with flavor. Tender chicken pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of mushrooms and the unique tanginess of tomatillos.
The tangy tomatillo sauce elevates the pasta, making each bite a delicious experience. Preparing this dish is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients readily available in most kitchens.
Table of Contents
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Rest Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 5 minutes | 4 |
Ingredients Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a delightful fusion of vibrant flavors and textures. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of ingredients required to create this tantalizing pasta dish.
Main Ingredients
To prepare the Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, you’ll need the following main ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 medium-sized, boneless, and skinless.
- Fresh Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced (button or cremini work well).
- Pasta: 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish.
These ingredients create the foundation of the dish. The chicken provides a lean protein source, while mushrooms add a rich, umami flavor. Pasta serves as the perfect base, absorbing the delicious tomatillo sauce. Olive oil, garlic, and onion enhance the overall taste, making each bite irresistible. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing finish.
For The Tomatillo Sauce
The tomatillo sauce is the star of this dish. Here’s what you need to make it:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatillos: | 6-7 medium, husked and rinsed. |
| Jalapeño: | 1, seeded and chopped. |
| Garlic: | 2 cloves. |
| Onion: | 1 small, quartered. |
| Fresh Lime Juice: | 2 tablespoons. |
| Fresh Cilantro: | 1/4 cup, chopped. |
| Salt: | To taste. |
Roast the tomatillos, jalapeño, garlic, and onion until they are charred. Blend them with lime juice, cilantro, and salt to create a smooth, tangy sauce. This sauce infuses the pasta with a unique flavor, making it a standout dish.
For The Pasta
Finally, let’s talk about the pasta components:
- Boil 8 oz of pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken breasts in olive oil until fully cooked. Remove from pan and slice.
- Add mushrooms, garlic, and onion to the pan. Cook until tender.
- Combine sliced chicken, mushrooms, and tomatillo sauce with the pasta.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Each step ensures that the pasta is flavorful and perfectly cooked. The sautéed chicken and mushrooms add depth to the dish, while the tomatillo sauce ties everything together. Garnishing with cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Preparation Steps
The Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. The preparation steps are simple, yet they bring out the best in each ingredient. Follow these easy steps to create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.
Preparing The Tomatillo Sauce
To begin, gather your ingredients for the tomatillo sauce. You will need:
- 1 lb of fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until the tomatillos are soft and slightly charred.
Once roasted, transfer the vegetables to a blender. Add the cilantro and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set the sauce aside for later use. This sauce is the heart of the dish, giving it a tangy and fresh flavor.
Cooking The Chicken
Next, let’s prepare the chicken. For this, you will need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken into thin strips. This ensures that the chicken is juicy and tender when mixed with the pasta.
Sautéing The Mushrooms
For the mushrooms, you will need:
- 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor to the dish, perfectly complementing the tangy tomatillo sauce.
Cooking The Pasta
Finally, let’s prepare the pasta. You will need:
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt for the pasta water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and tomatillo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta!
Combining All Ingredients
Combining all ingredients is crucial for a delicious and harmonious dish. This section will guide you through mixing the tomatillo sauce with chicken and mushrooms, and then tossing it all with pasta.
Mixing The Tomatillo Sauce With Chicken And Mushrooms
First, gather all your ingredients: tomatillo sauce, cooked chicken, and sliced mushrooms. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil to the skillet and let it warm up.
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Once the mushrooms are ready, add the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir them together for a couple of minutes until the chicken is heated through. Now, pour the tomatillo sauce into the skillet, covering the chicken and mushrooms thoroughly.
Ensure everything is well-coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time, creating a rich and savory base for your pasta.
Here is a quick overview:
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat skillet and add olive oil | 1 minute |
| 2 | Sauté mushrooms | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Add cooked chicken | 2 minutes |
| 4 | Pour in tomatillo sauce and simmer | 10 minutes |
Tossing With Pasta
Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. You can use spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Make sure to salt the water generously for added flavor.
Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and save a cup of pasta water. The pasta water will help in adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatillo chicken and mushroom mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together gently. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help to loosen the sauce and make it creamy. Continue tossing until the pasta and sauce are well combined.
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. You can also add some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Here are the steps for this part:
- Cook and drain pasta, reserving pasta water.
- Add pasta to the skillet with sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Add pasta water if necessary.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley.
Now your Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is ready to serve. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for any dinner table. Let’s dive into some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.
Pairing With Side Dishes
Complement your Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with a variety of side dishes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs perfectly. Consider a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Wine And Beverage Choices
This pasta dish pairs well with a crisp white wine. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea with a hint of lemon is refreshing. Sparkling water with lime can also be a great choice.
Presentation Tips
Presentation matters. Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch. Place a lemon wedge on the side for added zest.
Serving Sizes
Consider the number of guests. For a family of four, one batch should suffice. For larger gatherings, double the recipe. Here’s a quick guide:
| Number of Guests | Recommended Servings |
|---|---|
| 2-4 | 1 Batch |
| 5-8 | 2 Batches |
| 9-12 | 3 Batches |
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers can be a blessing. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Transform leftovers into a pasta bake. Simply add some cheese on top and bake until bubbly.
Nutritional Benefits
Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta not only pleases your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. In this section, we will explore the nutritional benefits of this delightful meal.
Health Benefits Of Tomatillos
Tomatillos are small, green fruits that belong to the nightshade family. They are packed with essential nutrients that can improve your overall health. Here are some of the key benefits:
- High in Vitamins: Tomatillos are rich in vitamins A and C, which are crucial for maintaining good vision, skin health, and a strong immune system.
- Low in Calories: One cup of tomatillos contains only about 42 calories, making them an excellent addition to a calorie-conscious diet.
- Rich in Fiber: They provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Antioxidant Properties: Tomatillos contain antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content of tomatillos per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 32 |
| Vitamin C | 11.7 mg |
| Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Vitamin A | 42 IU |
Including tomatillos in your diet can provide you with these essential nutrients while adding a unique flavor to your dishes.
Protein Sources
Protein is a vital nutrient for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes, and supporting overall health. The Tomatillo Chicken & Mushroom Pasta recipe provides excellent sources of protein.
Chicken: Chicken is a popular protein source that is lean and packed with essential amino acids. A 3-ounce serving of chicken breast provides about 26 grams of protein. It’s also low in fat, making it a healthy choice.
Mushrooms: While not as high in protein as chicken, mushrooms offer a small amount of protein along with numerous other nutrients. They contain vitamins B and D, antioxidants, and minerals like selenium and copper.
Pasta: Depending on the type of pasta used, it can also contribute to your protein intake. Whole wheat pasta, for example, offers more protein and fiber compared to regular pasta.
Here’s a breakdown of the protein content in the main ingredients:
| Ingredient | Protein Content (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 31 g |
| Mushrooms | 3.1 g |
| Whole Wheat Pasta | 7.5 g |
Combining these ingredients in your meal ensures you get a balanced intake of protein, supporting muscle growth and overall health.
