Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that feels like both a cozy hug and a gourmet treat! Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is my personal weekday savior: tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and al dente pasta tangled in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, all in under 40 minutes. Comfort food doesn’t get any richer or easier than this, and with just a handful of classic ingredients, you’ll have a truly restaurant-worthy dish on your own table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a busy night, this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is sure to be a top-requested favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is full of simple, nourishing ingredients that make each bite a symphony of savoriness and creaminess. Every component brings a little magic to the table, from the juicy chicken to the earthy mushrooms and the luscious parmesan cream. Here’s what you’ll need and why you need it:

Olive oil: Adds subtle flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully for a great foundation.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and stays incredibly juicy when sautéed.
Salt and pepper: The old faithfuls—perfect for seasoning every layer for balanced flavor throughout.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness to the mushrooms and helps them develop golden, caramelized edges.
Cremini or white mushrooms: Give the dish a wonderful earthiness and meaty texture, making the sauce heartier.
Garlic: Makes the kitchen smell irresistible and deepens the overall flavor profile—don’t skip it!
Italian seasoning: Offers a background herbal note that ties all the savory flavors together.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and deglazes the pan, picking up every delicious scrap.
Heavy cream: Lends the sauce its irresistible, luscious texture that clings beautifully to pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Melts right in for a salty, nutty finish that perfects the sauce.
Pasta (fettuccine or penne): The sturdy vehicle for all that saucy goodness—any shape works, but these are best for holding the sauce.
Reserved pasta water: Helps marry the sauce to the pasta, giving everything that creamy, silky finish.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, then toss in your favorite pasta—fettuccine and penne both work like a charm here. Keep an eye on the timer and cook the pasta until just al dente, so it soaks up the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Before draining, remember to reserve a quarter cup of that beautifully starchy pasta water; it’s the secret weapon for a silken sauce finish later!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it gets that irresistible golden crust, then flip and cook until the pieces are cooked through—usually about five to seven minutes in total. Transfer the chicken to a plate; it’s going to rejoin the party in a moment.

Step 3: Brown the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter, letting it melt and sizzle. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook without stirring too much so they really brown—this caramelization brings out their earthy, meaty flavor. After five to six minutes, they’ll be golden perfection. Now, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning for a fragrant burst, cooking just a minute until everything smells utterly inviting.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the chicken broth next, scraping up any golden bits left in the pan because that’s pure flavor. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will melt into the cream, creating the silkiest, most luxurious sauce you can imagine. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) right into the pan, letting them bathe in that dreamy sauce for another three to four minutes on low—a gentle simmer is all you need for a slightly thickened, rich finish.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add your drained (but not rinsed) pasta straight into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time and toss, tossing everything together so that each strand or tube is completely coated and glossy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then dish up your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta while it’s piping hot. Don’t forget the finishing touch—a shower of fresh parsley for a pop of color!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

Garnishes

Elevate each steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with a finishing sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a generous pinch of chopped fresh parsley—these not only add vibrant color but also brighten up the flavors beautifully. If you enjoy a little zing, try a crack of fresh black pepper or even a handful of thinly sliced chives for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This pasta truly shines alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette—think arugula or baby spinach with lemon. For bread lovers, warm garlic bread or a baguette is perfect for swiping up every drop of that creamy sauce. If you want something lighter, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans add wonderful color and crunch to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, twirl the fettuccine into elegant nests in shallow bowls and spoon sauce over the top, letting the chicken and mushrooms peek through. For a family-style meal, pile everything high in a big serving platter and let everyone help themselves. Or, for a riff on “pasta night,” serve the Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with a little extra Parmesan on the side so each person can sprinkle on their own, tableside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop the cooled Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—just be sure to store it as soon as it cools so the sauce stays creamy.

Freezing

While pasta with cream sauce can lose a little of its silkiness after freezing, it’s totally possible for a busy week. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container (removing as much air as possible), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. If using a microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so it stays creamy rather than drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and will work just as well. They may take an extra minute or two to cook through, so check for doneness before proceeding.

What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe welcomes additions like baby spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Toss in spinach after the sauce thickens; it wilts quickly without overcooking.

Can I make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative—the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Keep an eye on cooking times, as gluten-free pasta can become mushy more quickly.

Will half-and-half work instead of heavy cream?

Yes, for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. The sauce may be a little less thick, but it will still taste rich and satisfying.

Can I prepare Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta ahead of time for a party?

You can make the components (chicken, mushrooms, sauce) a day ahead and store them separately. Reheat gently, toss everything together with freshly cooked pasta and a little pasta water just before serving for the silkiest results.

Final Thoughts

There’s an undeniable comfort in a bowl of Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, and it’s a dish that always gets happy sighs at my dinner table. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight yet impressive for guests—everyone wants seconds! Give it a try, and soon this recipe will be part of your own cozy mealtime traditions.

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich and satisfying Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste

Mushroom Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other:

12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta al dente, reserve 1/4 cup water.
Cook Chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken until golden, set aside.
Prepare Mushroom Sauce: Sauté mushrooms, garlic, add seasonings, broth, cream, cheese, simmer.
Combine: Return chicken, add pasta and reserved water, toss to combine.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.