Lemon Chicken with Mushrooms and Angel Hair Pasta

Who says you have to have high fat or even high sodium to have huge flavour? This dish goes to show that the addition of spices, and minimal oil help keep everything down to quite a low calorie count.

1 medium onion, sliced thinly
3 cups button mushrooms, sliced
6 tbsp water, divided
olive oil (see directions)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more, depending on how hot you like it)
3 garlic cloves, minced
16 oz broccoli florets, blanched and heated through
3 portions of angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
3 tbsp lemon juice (the juice of one whole lemon)

InĀ  a large pan, place 1 tsp olive oil. Using a paper towel, wipe the oil around to lightly coat the surface of the pan, and remove the excess (retain this paper towel). Place over medium heat and add mushrooms, onions, and 3 tbsp water. Place a lid on the pan, and allow them to steam in their own liquids. Stir occasionally until they are tender. Remove from the pan and cover to keep warm.

Using the oil soaked paper towel, wipe down the pan again, and add garlic, chicken cubes, crushed red pepper flakes, and remaining water. Cover to allow chicken to steam and cook through, stirring occasionally.

Return the mushrooms and onions to the pan, along with the blanched broccoli and the al dente pasta. Add lemon juice overall, toss to combine and heat through.

Serves 6 as dished, or 4 with larger appetites.

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2011 in the kitchen

Jonathan Everyday here — it’s been a little over a month since my last post, but I’ve not stepped back from cooking. I’m retooling some recipes to make them lighter, tastier, lower in sodium, etc.

Like most people, I’ve used the change in years — not for resolutions, but to actually MAKE a change in my life. I’m not giving up eating tasty foods. I’m certainly not giving up cooking in my kitchen (in fact, thank you Chef J for the gift of the Calphalon cookware! I’m humbled!).

I will say that the reason I’m continuing on my path of lower fat/sodium healthier cooking is that I like the way I feel after having a meal full of flavour, that leaves me feeling satisfied, yet not stuffed.

What goals have you set for yourself over the next year?

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