Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta. This dreamy dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—you’ll fall in love with every rich, savory bite. Whether you’re whipping this up for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, the luscious flavors and beautiful presentation make it a true showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta lies in how simple, staple ingredients come together into one unforgettable meal. Each element brings its own personality—creamy, tangy, earthy, or fresh—to the table, making this dish a symphony of taste and texture.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta (12 oz): Both shapes trap that creamy sauce perfectly, so pick your favorite or use what you have!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Sliced into strips for easier, even cooking and a tender bite in every forkful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings indulgent flavor and gives the mushrooms an irresistible caramelized edge.
- Cremini or white mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Their savory, “meaty” quality deepens the overall flavor and adds welcome texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp—fresh garlic makes the sauce fragrant and mouthwatering.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend brings a hint of herbal warmth you’ll miss if you leave it out.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the layers of flavor in this pasta—season as you go!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the savoriness.
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup, optional): Use it to deglaze the pan and add a touch of brightness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Essential for that dreamy, creamy texture that defines this dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for robust, nutty sharpness and luscious body.
- Chopped parsley (1/4 cup, for garnish): A burst of green that keeps it fresh and vibrant on your plate.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Get things started by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or penne and cook it according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Don’t overcook—the pasta will soak up sauce later and you want it to maintain some bite. Drain your pasta, set it aside, and get ready for the real magic!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your seasoned chicken strips (sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning). Cook until the chicken is golden, juicy, and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate; this step ensures it stays tender, not overcooked.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In that same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re beautifully browned and any moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes. This helps concentrate their flavor. Next, add the garlic and sauté for just about a minute—just until it’s fragrant (careful not to let it burn!).
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—those add tons of flavor! Let the wine simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes. Then, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring everything to a soft simmer so the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken
Now for the star moment: stir in your grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce, turning everything rich and velvety. Return the cooked chicken and any juices back to the skillet, letting it warm through for a few minutes so every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Serve
Add your drained pasta right into the skillet with that glorious sauce. Toss well, making sure every noodle is lovingly coated. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if you like. Serve the Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta right away, topped with plenty of fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan for good measure.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Garnishes
Scatter your bowl of pasta with freshly chopped parsley to add color and a burst of freshness. If you love bold flavors, don’t be shy with a little more grated Parmesan on top, or even a crack of black pepper for visual drama. A pinch of lemon zest can jazz things up with a citrusy spark that balances all the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette—or a platter of oven-roasted asparagus really brings the meal together. For those carb-lovers, a loaf of crusty garlic bread makes it downright irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, try twirling the pasta into neat nests with tongs and topping each portion with extra chicken and mushrooms. Serving in shallow bowls makes the sauce shine. You could also spoon individual portions into ramekins for a playful, personal touch—don’t forget the garnish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta into an airtight container once it cools. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making for an equally delicious desk lunch or a next-day dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Freezing
While pasta in cream sauce can sometimes be tricky to freeze, you can absolutely stash away portions if you like. For best results, let everything cool fully, then freeze in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just be aware the texture may be a little softer, but the flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high, which can separate the sauce—lower power is better for keeping things creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classics for Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, almost any pasta shape that catches sauce—like rigatoni or even farfalle—will work beautifully.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
You can try half-and-half for a lighter version, or even use a blend of whole milk and a touch of cream cheese to keep the sauce smooth and creamy without all the richness of heavy cream.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Easily! Simply leave out the chicken, and perhaps add extra mushrooms or toss in roasted vegetables. You’ll still get a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Can I prepare Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in advance for a party?
Yes—you can make the sauce, chicken, and mushrooms a few hours ahead. Just wait to cook the pasta and toss everything together right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What wine pairs best with this kind of creamy pasta?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the creamy sauce and the earthy mushrooms, balancing every bite with a bit of acid and brightness.
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a time to treat yourself or impress someone special, Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With each bite, you get plush comfort, deep flavor, and a taste of true kitchen love—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and savor the magic for yourself!
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Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this luxurious and comforting Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta,
Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips),
Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add mushrooms. Sauté until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use cooked rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
- Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
