Basil Pasta - Fettucine, Mushrooms and Chicken With Basil Cream

This basil pasta recipe combines fettucine, mushrooms and chicken with basil cream sauce to create a simple but elegant meal. In fact, this meal is so impressive you can serve for a romantic Valentine dinner. It will impress your special someone without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound fettucine
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/3 cup, plus 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 6 ounces fresh, sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 freshly grated Romano cheese
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small jar of pimientos

Preparation:

Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Saute the chicken, 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

To the same skillet add the wine, chopped garlic, mushrooms, basil mixture and cream. Bring to a boil. Continue boiling until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.

While the cream mixture is thickening, slice the chicken breasts into 1/2 inch strips. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the Romano cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Drain the fettucine and place in a serving bowl. Top with the chicken and cream and serve.