Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
- 3 cups (450g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
- 8 ounces (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup (60g) frozen peas, thawed
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, sherry (if using), Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and peas to the sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.