There is something truly comforting and indulgent about this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe that has it quickly become a beloved favorite. Tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a luscious, velvety sauce made rich with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of savory flavors and smooth textures, making it an ideal dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal when friends gather. Once you try this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, it will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the best way to ensure your dish shines with authentic flavor. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing harmony to every bite—whether it’s the garlic adding a punch of warmth, or the mushroom’s earthiness that deepens the sauce.
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and adding a natural richness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Tender protein that cooks quickly and keeps the dish hearty.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button): Adds a lovely texture and deep, savory flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and subtle spice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The silky base that makes this a truly creamy chicken and mushroom pasta favorite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami for a richer sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Delivers depth and balances the cream’s richness.
- 1 tbsp butter: Used for sautéing mushrooms, giving them a luscious, glossy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh touch that lifts the final dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente, which means it will be tender but still firm to the bite—this is key for texture contrast against the creamy sauce. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Removing the chicken at this stage allows it to rest and retain juiciness while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté over medium heat until they become beautifully browned and tender, roughly 5 minutes. This step develops a rich, earthy flavor that is the heart of this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it. This quick step releases its aromatic goodness, enhancing every element of your dish.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for two minutes. This helps deglaze the pan, loosening all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom and adding a subtle savoriness to your sauce base.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth—this step transforms the dish into the luscious Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe you’re craving.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so each piece is coated beautifully with the rich sauce. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor and creaminess perfectly balanced with tender chicken and mushrooms.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of vibrant color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness. Serve warm and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish that adds brightness to the rich creamy sauce, but you can also consider a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These simple touches elevate presentation and flavor effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a perfect side, great for mopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. A drizzle of truffle oil over the top adds an extra layer of luxury and aroma, perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy chicken and mushroom pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving without stirring to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are great for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti, depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make fantastic additions that bring extra color and nutrition to this already delicious dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook the chicken strips until they are no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Usually, 5 to 6 minutes on medium-high heat is sufficient, but you can check by cutting a piece in half.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken works well and saves time—just add it at the end to warm through instead of cooking raw chicken strips from scratch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more joyful to eat. It combines ease, comfort, and richness in a way few dishes do, delivering that satisfying hug-of-a-meal experience. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find this creamy delight becoming your new go-to dinner that brings smiles to your table every time.
Print
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A deliciously creamy chicken and mushroom pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Vegetables
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are browned and tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor or button mushrooms for a milder taste.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor; freshly grated cheese works best for melting and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
