If you are craving a dish that is the perfect hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe. It combines tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and luscious creamy sauce all tossed with your favorite pasta for a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. This recipe is a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that your whole family will love, and it’s so straightforward that you can whip it up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, creating a dish that is as satisfying to look at as it is to eat.
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, for maximum creaminess in every bite.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil is perfect for sautéing the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden crust without overpowering flavors.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Chicken provides hearty protein, and cutting it into strips ensures quick and even cooking.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button): Mushrooms bring an earthy depth and a meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that essential aromatic punch that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the star creating the luscious, silky sauce that defines this pasta dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty kick and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth deepens the savory flavor and helps create a smooth sauce base.
- 1 tbsp butter: Butter enriches the sautéed mushrooms, adding a subtle richness to every component.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Draining it and setting it aside ensures the pasta is ready to soak up all that creamy sauce later without turning mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sauté them until beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Cooking the chicken first not only locks in flavor but also allows you to build your sauce in the same pan, capturing all those tasty browned bits.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add butter, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook until they’re browned and nicely tender, about 5 minutes. This step develops deep, savory notes that marry seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Simmer Broth
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute, until you can smell its fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. Pour in the chicken broth next, letting it simmer gently for 2 minutes—this adds an extra layer of flavor and begins forming the base of your sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This silky sauce is what makes the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so every bite is coated with that rich, creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens and your dish comes to life.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh hit of color and a subtle herbal note that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet stunning garnish that adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh flavor contrast. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an inviting finish that adds an extra cheesy depth with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, which add a refreshing crunch and lighten each creamy mouthful. Garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds off the meal perfectly, giving you a chance to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or truffle oil on top for added aroma and luxury. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or cracked black pepper for texture and an extra flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its best texture, store the sauce and pasta together—just be sure to reheat gently.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based sauces can sometimes affect texture, this recipe freezes surprisingly well. Cool the pasta completely, then freeze in portions within airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps refresh the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle will work beautifully as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to replicate the creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You can! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay tender, but be sure to adjust cooking times as thighs can take slightly longer to cook through.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Try adding a splash of white wine when simmering the broth or stirring in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma and depth.
Can I prepare this meal entirely in one pan?
Yes! After cooking the pasta separately, this entire recipe comes together in one skillet, making cleanup easier while allowing flavors to build in the same pan.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to turn to again and again. It brings comfort, flavor, and elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible creamy delight—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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 and mushroom pasta dish combines tender strips of chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms in a rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta is tossed in the luscious sauce for a comforting and hearty meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until browned and tender, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance flavor.
- Make Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve the dish warm for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but fettuccine or penne work best to hold the creamy sauce.
- To add extra flavor, consider deglazing the pan with white wine before simmering the chicken broth.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or other vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances taste better than pre-grated versions.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
