If you are craving a dish that combines the hearty comfort of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce all twirled lovingly around your favorite pasta, this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soul-warming, indulgent meal that feels fancy yet is surprisingly easy to pull together on any weeknight. The creaminess of the sauce perfectly coats each bite, making it an irresistible hit that leaves you reaching for seconds and smiles alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing this dish. Each component adds its own magic—whether it’s the tender chicken providing protein, mushrooms lending earthiness and texture, or the creamy sauce that ties everything together with rich flavor.
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice): The pasta serves as the perfect backbone, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing, olive oil brings a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken evenly.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and lean, chicken takes center stage as the protein star.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini): Mushrooms add earthy depth and a satisfying bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds herbal brightness to the chicken and sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and a subtle savory base to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering luxurious, silky richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides sharp, nutty notes that elevate the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Fresh parsley offers a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture—that firm yet tender bite is crucial. Before draining, be sure to save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; this magical liquid will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let them cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then stir and cook through completely—about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms to soak up all the flavorful chicken drippings. Cook until tender and lightly browned, around 4 to 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté just 30 seconds longer so it releases its wonderful aroma without turning bitter.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s flavor gold right there! Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning it wonderfully silky and rich.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together so every strand is luxuriously coated in that creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, then serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness.
How to Serve Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a vibrant burst of green and a hint of herbal crispness. You might also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top or add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors even more beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone star but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the richness by adding a pleasant crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and mushroom pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with fresh herbs and a dusting of Parmesan. You can use edible flowers or microgreens for an eye-catching presentation when hosting guests, turning a simple weeknight meal into an elegant affair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so a quick stir with a splash of milk or broth before reheating will bring back its luscious texture.
Freezing
While this dish freezes okay, the cream sauce can sometimes separate after freezing. If you’d like to freeze it, cool completely, package in a freezer-safe container, and use within 1 month for best flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little chicken broth, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause uneven heating and separation of the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works wonderfully with fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape or whatever you have on hand—the creamy sauce clings beautifully to all.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Adjust the thickness by cooking the sauce a bit longer if needed.
Can I add vegetables to this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to boost color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the creamy flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Cook the sauce over medium to low heat and stir gently. Avoid boiling the cream once added, and add cheese gradually so it melts smoothly. Adding pasta water to loosen the sauce also helps maintain consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and bring a slightly richer flavor and more tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure thorough cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe is a delightful blend of easy preparation and rich, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed by the creamy, savory goodness waiting to be devoured.
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Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken and mushroom pasta dish, featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley if using and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the cream.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream version.
- Adding fresh spinach during the mushroom sauté adds nutritious greens.
