Are you in the mood for a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its indulgent flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless) – cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh mushrooms (white button, cremini, or your favorite variety) – sliced
- Garlic – minced for an aromatic base
- Heavy cream – for a rich, creamy sauce
- Chicken broth – adds depth to the sauce
- Olive oil – for cooking the chicken and mushrooms
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) – choose your preferred pasta shape
- Parmesan cheese – grated, for added flavor and creaminess
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Onion (optional) – finely chopped for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become golden and tender. Add the minced garlic (and onions, if using) and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting it thicken up. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve your creamy chicken and mushroom pasta hot, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This dish relies on everyday ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, and pasta but comes together to create a rich and luxurious flavor profile. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and umami-rich mushrooms makes every bite irresistible.
2. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
3. Customizable for Your Taste
Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. You can use different types of mushrooms, add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or even make it with a gluten-free pasta for a different twist.
4. Family-Friendly
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a great dish for the whole family. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and can be doubled easily to serve a crowd.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor. While canned mushrooms will work in a pinch, fresh mushrooms will give you a better texture and richer taste.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts cook quickly, so make sure not to overdo them to keep them tender and juicy.
- Adjust the creaminess. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream option.
- Add more veggies. You can incorporate spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the creamy chicken and mushroom pasta ahead of time and reheat it on the stove. Just add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! This recipe works with any pasta shape, from fettuccine to penne to spaghetti. Choose whatever you prefer or have on hand.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, creamy pasta experience!
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Serving Tips
- Serve Immediately for the Best Flavor
Creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is best enjoyed fresh when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is perfectly coated. Serve it hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - Pair with a Side Salad or Garlic Bread
This rich and creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a light side salad, like a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. You can also serve it with crispy garlic bread or warm, buttery rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. - Wine Pairing
If you’re looking to elevate the meal, pair it with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the richness of the cream sauce and balance out the flavors of the chicken and mushrooms. - Individual Portions or Family Style
You can serve this dish in individual bowls or on a large serving platter for a family-style meal. If serving family-style, consider sprinkling some extra Parmesan and parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the pasta cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to avoid condensation. - Reheating
To reheat creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out. - Freezing (Optional)
While this pasta dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce may change in texture once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently heat on the stove, adding a little cream or milk to help restore the sauce’s original consistency. - Separate Storage
If you have leftover pasta and sauce, it’s best to store them separately. This helps prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy. When reheating, you can combine them again and warm them together.
With these serving and storage tips, your creamy chicken and mushroom pasta can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later, making it a great dish for meal prep or leftovers.
1. Can I make creamy chicken and mushroom pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce as directed, then let them cool and store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta together, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the creamy texture.
2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for other meats such as turkey, pork, or even ground beef. For a vegetarian version, consider adding tofu or plant-based protein instead of meat.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, in place of heavy cream. You can also substitute dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To make the sauce thicker, let it simmer longer to reduce and concentrate. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth, cream, or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a decadent one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and pasta tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme, then sauté for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and golden.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- For added flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
- Use spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.