If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every twist of your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or impressing friends at dinner, this dish comes together quickly and delivers comfort and flavor in one beautiful bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in building the rich flavor profile and creamy texture that make this recipe so irresistible. Each component brings something unique, from the juicy chicken to the nutty Parmesan and the hearty mushrooms that add that perfect bite.
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Provides juicy protein and forms the meaty base of the dish.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to catch that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection and adding subtle richness.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthy depth and a meaty texture that complements the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory warmth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce that delivers incredible creaminess.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and deglazes the pan for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty kick and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has a little bite, so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed later in the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this step—allowing the chicken to develop a golden crust locks in juices and flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest before slicing thinly.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms along with minced garlic. Cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and turn golden brown adds a wonderfully savory earthiness. The garlic infuses the oil and mushrooms, creating the base for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Take a wooden spoon and scrape the flavorful browned bits off the bottom of the pan—this is where much of your depth of flavor comes from. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken gently over 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often so it becomes smooth and indulgently creamy without breaking.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add your freshly cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to ensure each strand of pasta and piece of chicken gets luxuriously coated with the sauce. This is the moment where all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Finish by seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of green that brightens the look and taste. You could also sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan or even some cracked black pepper for added texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette are also excellent companions to mop up every last drop of that creamy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top. You could also plate the pasta in neat nests with the sliced chicken arranged artfully over the top for a restaurant-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
Freezing
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from splitting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne, fettuccine, and spaghetti work beautifully, feel free to use any pasta shape you love. The sauce clings well to most varieties, so get creative.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken breasts are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Cutting into it should reveal no pinkness inside.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a few hours in advance, but it’s best combined with the pasta and chicken just before serving for the freshest texture and taste.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Common white button mushrooms or cremini are ideal, but you can use shiitake, portobello, or any mushroom you prefer. Just slice them evenly so they cook uniformly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy. It’s a straightforward, comforting meal that feels special with every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it becoming a regular favorite in your kitchen too!
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
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and combined with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Tossed with your choice of pasta, this dish offers comforting flavors and a rich texture in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 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 and Garnish
- 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 according to 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 with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest briefly, then slice thinly.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the flavorful browned bits.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Toss the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or fettuccine works especially well.
- To add more vegetables, consider tossing in spinach or peas along with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
