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
Scale
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.
