Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is the weeknight wonder your dinner routine has been begging for. Imagine tender strips of perfectly golden chicken, buttery mushrooms, and a glossy, velvety sauce clinging to ribbons of pasta—all in just over half an hour! This dish gives you all the comfort of an Italian-American classic with a flavor profile that feels both familiar and just a touch special. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is one of those recipes that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk essentials! Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta comes together with a handful of kitchen staples, each playing a starring role. Every ingredient here is chosen for how it enriches the sauce, adds texture, or brightens the finished plate. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you need it.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (8 oz): Wide noodles like fettuccine soak up creamy sauces beautifully, but use what you love!
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): The foundation for perfectly seared chicken and sautéed mushrooms—choose extra-virgin for flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2, sliced into strips): Quick-cooking protein that stays juicy and hearty in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the sauce.
- Sliced cremini or white mushrooms (2 cups): Earthy, meaty mushrooms give the pasta its signature flavor punch.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): There’s no such thing as too much garlic in comfort pasta—flavor city!
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): De-glazes the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that luxuriously silky sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For bold, salty creaminess and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Lends a herby note that ties everything together beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Just a pinch for subtle heat—skip for a milder dish or add extra if you like a kick.
- Chopped parsley (2 tbsp, for garnish): Fresh, vibrant, and a touch of green for a restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your pasta. Cook until al dente (check the package for timing, but usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. This step is key—perfectly cooked pasta makes the whole Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta experience better!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season your chicken strips on both sides with salt and pepper, then lay them in the hot pan without crowding. Let them sear undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until each piece is golden and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned chicken bits add tons of flavor!), toss in your sliced mushrooms. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring only occasionally, until they’re tender and their moisture has evaporated. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, just until fragrant and toasty.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up anything stuck on the bottom of the pan—this is pure flavor magic! Let it simmer for a minute, then reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some spice. Let it all gently bubble for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet, then add your drained pasta. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure every noodle is luxuriously coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook for another minute, just until everything’s warmed through and marvelously mingled.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Off the heat, shower the Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with chopped parsley and give it one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now, get ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Garnishes
Give your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta a restaurant-quality finish by showering it with more chopped parsley and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. A sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper over the top not only looks gorgeous but gives a little extra zing in every bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and hearty, so pair it with something crisp and light for balance—think a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted asparagus. Warm, crusty bread is also fantastic to help scoop up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in shallow bowls and top each one with a little nest of extra herbs or a drizzle of good olive oil. Or, for a family-style feel, pile it high in a big serving dish and let everyone help themselves. If you’re entertaining, try individual ramekins for a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay perfectly tasty for up to three days—a lifesaver for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to one month. Let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The texture may be slightly less silky after thawing, but the flavors will still be comforting and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer pasta to a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. You can also use the microwave for quick reheats—cover and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is extra cozy with fettuccine, but penne, linguine, or even rigatoni all work beautifully. Just cook to al dente and you’re set.
Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to lighten things up. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still satisfy that creamy craving.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions. Stir them in just before adding back the chicken and pasta so they retain their color and texture.
Do I have to use chicken breast?
Nope! While chicken breast keeps it lean, you can use boneless thighs for a juicier result or even swap in cooked shrimp for a fun twist.
How can I make this gluten-free?
All you need is your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are also gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, it absolutely earns a spot in your regular rotation. It’s comfort food done right—simple, satisfying, and even a little special. Give it a go this week, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together to create a dish that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mushrooms:
- 2 cups sliced cremini or white mushrooms
Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season and cook chicken strips until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms: Cook sliced mushrooms until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Make the sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine with the chicken broth.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
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