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Nothing beats a comforting, soul-satisfying dinner like this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce. This dish is the ultimate weeknight treat that feels indulgent yet comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating texture, flavor, and color balance. From the savory mushrooms to the rich cream, every component works in harmony to make this dish unforgettable.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that provides juicy, tender bites and a satisfying meaty base.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite type to soak up all that creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken to a golden brown and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Offers an earthy, umami flavor and a meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic depth to the sauce, making every bite sing.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient that creates the luscious, silky texture of this dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Brings a gentle savory base to the sauce and helps to develop those rich pan flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with sharp, salty notes and helps thicken it beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finishing touch with a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles have just the right amount of bite to hold the creamy sauce perfectly. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Removing the chicken from the pan and letting it rest before slicing is key for juicy, tender meat that won’t dry out.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and turn a lovely golden color. This step builds the earthy foundation for your sauce’s rich flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a spatula to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where the deep flavor lives! Let the broth reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously as the sauce thickens into a silky, decadent coating. This stage transforms the pan sauce into the signature creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and the sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are beautifully coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. This final toss is your moment to bring the dish fully together.
Step 7: Final Touches
Season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color just before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a little extra Parmesan cheese can elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh, tangy dimension to each bite. If you like a touch of heat, some red pepper flakes work well too!
Side Dishes
Pair this decadent dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-style touch. For added flavor and texture, you could sprinkle toasted pine nuts or drizzle a little truffle oil over the top for a gourmet twist that impresses your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners because the flavors only deepen over time.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the cream sauce can change slightly. If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are classic choices, you can experiment with shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for different textures and earthy flavors in your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
Yes, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream for a dairy-free option. The texture will still be creamy, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the chicken and consider adding extra mushrooms or your favorite veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps it fully vegetarian.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer if you have one—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Otherwise, the chicken should be opaque with no pink inside and juices running clear.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne, fettuccine, and spaghetti all work wonderfully because they hold the creamy sauce well. Choose your personal favorite or what you have on hand; this recipe is very flexible!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those dishes that feels elegant without any fuss, perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a go-to comfort meal you love making again and again.
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Print
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta following the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have a golden color.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet; this adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together ensuring everything is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, but longer noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti work best for coating in sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice contrast, but you can omit or substitute with basil or chives.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
