Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare in under an hour, uses simple ingredients, and is packed with comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this pasta dish feels indulgent yet effortless. Plus, it’s customizable and works with various pasta shapes and mushroom types.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, diced
• Mushrooms (cremini, button, or baby bella), sliced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
4. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté the onions for 2–3 minutes until soft.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5–6 minutes.
6. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
8. Add heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Stir in grated Parmesan and cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
10. Add sliced chicken back into the skillet and heat through.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving.
• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
• Use different mushrooms: Try shiitake or wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Microwaving is also an option, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice or shred and add it to the sauce to heat through before combining with the pasta.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, tagliatelle, or linguine all pair well with the creamy sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan to help thicken it.

What mushrooms are best for this dish?

Cremini, white button, or baby bella mushrooms are ideal, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding cream and avoid boiling the sauce after the cream is added.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and cheese are gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a plant-based cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Is this a good make-ahead meal?

Yes, but for best results, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine after cooking the mushrooms, then proceed with the recipe.

Can I make this into a baked pasta dish?

Absolutely. Combine everything in a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is a deliciously indulgent dish that brings together tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in every bite. Whether you’re cooking a cozy weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant meal for guests, this pasta is sure to satisfy. It’s rich, easy, and irresistibly comforting.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

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Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is a rich and savory one-pan dish made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms (cremini, button, or baby bella), sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
4. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.
5. Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender.
6. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
8. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Add grated Parmesan and stir to combine.
10. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
11. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
• Deglaze the pan with white wine after mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Stir in spinach or kale at the end for added greens.
• To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to maintain creamy texture.
• Store sauce and pasta separately if making ahead.
• Can be turned into a baked pasta by topping with cheese and broiling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 145mg