Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Creamy, savory, and loaded with rich flavor, Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a weeknight hero that never disappoints. Tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and al dente pasta enveloped in a silky Parmesan sauce create a dish that feels delightfully indulgent yet comes together in barely 35 minutes. Whether you’re searching for new meal inspiration or simply craving a comforting pasta, Chicken & Mushroom Pasta nails that perfect balance of easy and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in Chicken & Mushroom Pasta shines in its own way—from the earthy mushrooms to the nutty Parmesan, the harmony of flavors is unbeatable. Using basic ingredients you likely already have, you’ll build a pasta dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully, offering just the right surface for the creamy sauce to cling to.
- Olive Oil: A robust foundation for sautéing, bringing out the flavors of both chicken and mushrooms.
- Chicken Breasts: Sliced into strips so they cook quickly and stay juicy in every bite.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and mushrooms, making every flavor come alive.
- Butter: Adds a luscious richness to the sautéed mushrooms and the finished sauce.
- Mushrooms: Choose cremini or white button for a deep, earthy note and a satisfying texture.
- Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, it infuses the sauce with irresistible depth.
- Dried Thyme: Lends an herby backbone that plays perfectly with mushroom and chicken.
- Chili Flakes (Optional): If you crave a pop of mild heat, just a pinch transforms the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Lifts and deglazes those delicious pan bits, adding savoriness and body.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the signature silky, luxurious sauce that makes this dish sing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty—it brings the sauce together with a hint of umami.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh, it’s the green finishing touch every great pasta deserves.
How to Make Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cooking fettuccine or penne until just al dente makes sure it’s perfectly toothsome and ready to soak up all that luscious sauce. Once cooked, simply drain and set aside—no need to rinse, since the starch helps cling the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta gently bubbles away, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper; then lay them in the pan and let them get golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. When they’re done, set the chicken aside to keep it tender and juicy for later.
Step 3: Brown the Mushrooms
In the same skillet—don’t wipe it out, because those little browned bits are pure flavor—melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and let them sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn beautifully browned and tender. This step builds a rich, earthy base that’s key to Chicken & Mushroom Pasta.
Step 4: Add Aromatics & Simmer
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat. Sauté for just a minute, until the garlic’s fragrance hits your nose. Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape up every tasty browned bit from the pan—this rounds out the sauce’s depth.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now pour in the heavy cream, stirring as it blends with the broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the mixture thicken slightly (about 2 minutes). Add the Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until it melts fully into the sauce—it’ll go from thin to luscious right before your eyes.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, then add in the drained pasta. Toss everything well, so every strand or bite is slicked in sauce. Right at the end, sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness that truly completes Chicken & Mushroom Pasta.
How to Serve Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley makes the dish look vibrant and gives each bite a refreshing lift. Don’t be shy with extra grated Parmesan cheese—its salty, nutty vibes work magic here. If you love a peppery kick, crack some black pepper over the finished plate for a gourmet feel.
Side Dishes
Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is super satisfying, but a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a plate of garlicky roasted broccoli is wonderful alongside. Crusty bread (think: ciabatta or garlic knots) always gets rave reviews, as it’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a bistro-style experience by serving Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce on top and a sprinkle of microgreens. For parties, try individual ramekins or mini-casseroles. You can even place it under the broiler for a minute to get that irresistible golden, cheesy top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken & Mushroom Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches. Store your pasta in an airtight container to lock in all the freshness and creamy texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. While the sauce might loosen a little upon thawing, a gentle stir during reheating will help bring it back to its creamy self. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within one month of freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring often. A microwave works just fine too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring each time to keep that creaminess. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classic choices, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Short shapes like rigatoni or spiral pasta catch the sauce nicely, while long noodles provide that elegant twirl factor.
How can I make Chicken & Mushroom Pasta lighter?
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based alternative. You can also boost the veggie content by stirring in baby spinach or steamed broccoli right at the end for extra nutrition and color.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. To make a meatless Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, simply omit the chicken and double up on mushrooms for a hearty, umami-packed result. Use vegetable broth or a plant-based chicken broth substitute for the best flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?
The key is not to overcook the chicken. Sauté it quickly over medium-high heat until just cooked through, then set it aside until you’re ready to toss everything together. Resting the chicken keeps it wonderfully tender in the finished pasta.
Can I add other vegetables or flavors?
Of course! This Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is fantastic with extras like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, or a handful of peas. Play with fresh herbs like basil or tarragon for a twist, or sprinkle in lemon zest for added brightness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a creamy, comforting dinner that comes together with ease and always impresses, give Chicken & Mushroom Pasta a spot in your weekly rotation. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich sauce is simply unforgettable—your family and friends will be lining up for seconds!
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Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Chicken & Mushroom Pasta that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. This Italian-American inspired dish combines tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Chicken & Mushroom Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden. Set aside.
- Prepare Mushroom Sauce: In the same skillet, cook mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and chili flakes. Add chicken broth and cream. Simmer and add Parmesan.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
