If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Rich, comforting, and packed with tender strips of chicken and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, this dish is the ultimate weeknight winner. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making every bite utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where simplicity meets flavor—each ingredient plays its role, building layers of taste, texture, and color that come together effortlessly to create this delightful pasta dish.
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: The rich protein star of the recipe, tender and juicy when cooked right.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button): These bring an earthy, savory depth to every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly smooth and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and umami that elevates the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances flavor while keeping the sauce light and not too heavy.
- 1 tbsp butter: Used to sauté mushrooms and enrich the sauce’s silkiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herby brightness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set it aside, ready to be wrapped in that rich sauce later. The pasta is the comforting canvas for this dish, so don’t overcook it!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper, then cook them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in flavor and tenderness. Once done, remove and set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add butter and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they’re beautifully browned and tender, about 5 minutes. This gives your sauce a rich, meaty layer of flavor and a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute. This short cook time ensures the garlic releases its fantastic aroma without becoming bitter—a crucial moment for the flavor foundation.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes. This step helps to deglaze the pan, lifting all those fantastic browned bits from the bottom, which adds depth to the sauce.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes so it thickens into a velvety, luscious coating for your pasta and chicken.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return both the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything gently so all the strands and strips get luxuriously coated in that creamy sauce. This is where all the magic happens and your dish really comes together.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a fresh zing and brightens up the plate visually, creating an inviting final touch.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The simple sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds lovely color but also a gentle herby note that cuts through the richness. For a little extra zing, a light grating of lemon zest or some cracked black pepper can take it up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrettes or lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is always a winner here, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve the pasta in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of truffle oil or a few shavings of fresh Parmesan. For casual dinners, a rustic wooden board with bread on the side makes the meal feel warm and inviting. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a lovely crunch if you want to experiment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken and mushroom pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it a wonderful make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well, although the texture of cream sauces can sometimes change slightly. To freeze, cool it completely, then pack tightly in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that silky sauce texture. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring every 30 seconds prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are great because they hold the creamy sauce well, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes like rigatoni or even farfalle.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese option to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken strips and avoid overcooking. Sear them on medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, then set aside to retain juices.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make fantastic additions that not only add color but complement the creamy mushroom sauce beautifully.
What kind of mushrooms work best in this recipe?
Cremini mushrooms are ideal because they have a rich, earthy flavor and firm texture, but button mushrooms also work well and are widely available.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for any day you need a little comfort food magic. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to share with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and savor every creamy, flavorful bite—you’ll quickly see why this dish is so beloved!
Print
Creamy Chicken and 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
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast strips and sautéed mushrooms in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed together with the savory sauce for a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be added later to the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are browned and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring the mixture, and let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve the dish warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when simmering broth before adding cream.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides better melt and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop.
