Much Easier Than I Expected
Much Easier Than I Expected is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 810 calories per serving. Recipe by FutureCanoe on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $15.50 total, $3.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti (dry, broken into thirds if desired)
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (sliced into thin strips, skinless, boneless)
- 1 lb White Mushrooms (thickly sliced, washed and dried)
- 0.5 large Onion (finely chopped)
- 9 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 3.5 cup Half‑and‑Half (if unavailable, use equal parts heavy cream and water)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Parsley (fresh, chopped for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Pecorino Romano (freshly grated)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 212°F
Prepare Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, slice the mushrooms, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken breast into thin strips.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, add to the pan, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Onion
In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Cook Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5‑7 minutes until the released liquid evaporates and the mushrooms turn lightly brown.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant; do not let it burn.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in 3½ cups half‑and‑half (or equal parts heavy cream and water). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 6‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce just begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: simmer
Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained spaghetti. Stir to coat everything evenly, cover with the lid, and let rest for 10‑12 minutes so the sauce adheres to the noodles.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: low
Finish and Serve
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, sprinkle chopped parsley, and top with freshly grated Pecorino Romano. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 810
- Protein
- 26 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 24 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free using oat or almond milk thickened with a roux
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Last updated: March 12, 2026






