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
Scale
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.
