If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and luscious creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta to create a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the most memorable meals, and this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe is no exception. Each element plays a key role, from the juicy chicken that brings protein and heartiness, to the mushrooms that add an earthy depth, and the creamy sauce that ties everything together with rich, velvety goodness.
- Chicken breasts (cubed): Choose fresh, tender breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Sliced mushrooms: They add a savory, woodsy flavor and a nice texture contrast.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and infusing the skillet with fragrant richness.
- Minced garlic: Provides a fragrant, aromatic base that complements the mushrooms and chicken.
- Heavy cream: The magic ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Pasta (spaghetti or linguine): Use your favorite long pasta to help soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme: The simple seasonings that elevate the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 7 to 8 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step is critical for locking in juicy flavor before setting the chicken aside to make room for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their natural juices, mingling perfectly with the garlicky aroma. This step builds a hearty base for the sauce that’s packed with umami.
Step 3: Simmer Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This deglazes the pan, lifting up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and incorporating them into the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. The cream starts to thicken and create that luxurious texture you want.
Step 5: Add Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce adding a fabulous savory richness. Let the sauce cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens beautifully and develops that signature silky coating.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce thickens, cook the pasta following package instructions until al dente. Drain it and get ready to bring everything together.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring thoroughly so every strand and morsel is wrapped lovingly in the creamy sauce. Finish by seasoning with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, then serve immediately while warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe really pop, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan on top. A little cracked black pepper and a few fresh thyme leaves add color and an extra layer of aroma, making every bite as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also a perfect companion, ready to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the pasta nested in shallow bowls with a drizzle of truffle oil on top or garnished with sautéed wild mushrooms and a sprig of thyme. This simple upgrade makes your meal feel special and restaurant-quality without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, where the flavors will meld even more deliciously.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Portion into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and label with the date. Keep in mind that very creamy sauces may slightly change texture when frozen, but reheating carefully will bring much of that back.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are perfect, you can also use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Just adjust cooking time as needed for the pasta type.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese to maintain that cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately. Combine and heat with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it tender?
Cooking the chicken over medium heat and not overcrowding the pan ensures even cooking and a golden exterior without drying out the meat.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Add them during the sauce-making stage to incorporate their flavors seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight supper but special enough for company, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your culinary rotation forever. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
Print
Creamy Chicken & 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 & Mushroom Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender cubed chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, velvety cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Chicken & Mushrooms
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Seasoning
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened.
- Simmer Chicken Broth: Add chicken broth to the skillet, letting it simmer for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is thickening, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir well to coat everything with the creamy sauce. Season with fresh thyme, additional salt, and pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken and mushroom pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Use fresh thyme for a more aromatic flavor; dried thyme can also be used but add less.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
