Who doesn't love a steaming bowl or creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy top? This is a recipe that the whole family will enjoy which consists of creamy chicken and mushrooms in a white sauce that clings to cooked linguine. The whole dish is then baked in the oven to create a bubbling bowl of deliciousness.
Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and set aside whilst you prepare the remaining ingredients. Slice the onion, garlic and mushrooms and finely chop the thyme. Make up the chicken stock in a small saucepan or jug and keep warm. Mix together the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan in a small bowl and set aside.
Warm the olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan set over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Control the heat and lower it if the pan is getting too hot. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the pan and leave to one side.
Melt the butter in the same pan, then add the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until golden. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms, the chopped thyme, a pinch of salt and a generous twist of black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms have wilted. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour. Stir well and allow the flour to cook out for 2 minutes.
Next gradually add the hot chicken stock. Once the first lot has been absorbed, add the next until you have used it all. Mix with a wooden spoon to remove any lumps as you go. Add the double cream and dijon simmer for 5 minutes. While the sauce is simmering, you can slice or shred the cooked chicken. Once sliced, add to the sauce and turn off the heat, pouring in any resting juices as well.
Whilst the sauce is cooking, preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Boil the linguine in salted water for 8-9 minutes, until just cooked, adding the spinach for the final minute before draining well. Whilst the pasta is cooking, rub a 20x30cm baking dish with a little butter.
Add the drained pasta and spinach to the chicken and mushroom sauce. Toss through, making sure all the pasta is coated before pouring into the baking dish. Sprinkle over the cheesy breadcrumbs and pop into the oven for 20-25 minutes. Once bubbling and golden, remove from the oven and serve hot.