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.