If you’re searching for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests, look no further than Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta. This dish is the ultimate comfort food: tender strips of chicken, hearty mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped up in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those moments when only a creamy, dreamy pasta will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta truly special is how everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each element, from the choice of pasta to the fresh parsley at the end, plays a unique part in the overall flavor and texture tapestry of this mouthwatering meal.
- Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or your favorite): Fettuccine’s wide ribbons soak up all the sauce, but any shape you love will work.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the chicken a golden-seared exterior and helps marry the flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb, thinly sliced): Sliced thin for quicker cooking and maximum tenderness in every bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): A generous seasoning is key to layering flavor right from the start.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and depth to the mushrooms and the sauce.
- Cremini or white mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Bring earthy, savory notes that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Four fresh cloves really amp up the aroma and flavor here.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings a little taste of Italy to every bite.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup, or chicken broth): White wine brightens the sauce, but chicken broth keeps things kid-friendly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce that signature creamy, luxurious finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for savory, salty goodness and irresistible umami.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup chopped, plus more for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. This step is important! You want pasta that retains a little bite so it can soak up that wonderful sauce later. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside, keeping a cup of pasta water handy in case you’d like to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken slices generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm; don’t worry if there are bits stuck to the pan, as these will add incredible flavor to the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor
In the same skillet, melt the butter and tumble in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring, which helps them get nicely browned and caramelized—a key step for building savory depth in your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
When the mushrooms are beautifully browned (about 5 minutes), stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let the garlic cook just until fragrant, about a minute—breathing in that aroma is all part of the joy! Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 5: Deglaze and Begin the Sauce
Time to pour in the white wine (or chicken broth, if you prefer) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid bubble and reduce by half, which concentrates its flavor and creates the perfect base for your sauce.
Step 6: Make it Creamy
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes—this turns everything luxuriously silky. Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is gloriously smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Bring it All Together
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with your drained pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy mushroom sauce. If you want the sauce a bit looser, splash in some reserved pasta water. Finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley and give the whole dish one last loving toss before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brings amazing color and a fresh lift right at the end. For an extra hit of flavor, add a dusting of Parmesan cheese or even a twist of cracked black pepper. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of truffle oil adds a restaurant-style flourish to your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads—arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar work especially well. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for scooping up that irresistible sauce, and steamed green beans or asparagus are lovely, vibrant sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, twirl the pasta into little nests on each plate and top with juicy pieces of chicken and mushrooms. Individual ramekins or skillet-to-table presentation give an inviting, homey feel. Don’t shy away from a beautiful serving platter garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges for drama!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors often meld and deepen as it sits.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes aren’t always freezer superheroes, you can still freeze Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in a pinch. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know the texture may change a bit after thawing; stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back the lusciousness.
Reheating
To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and heat until warmed through; avoid boiling or microwaving for too long as this can cause the sauce to separate. A fresh sprinkle of parsley right before serving easily revives leftover Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely—shiitake, baby bella, or even a mix of wild mushrooms add wonderful depth. Just slice them to a similar size so they cook evenly.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No problem! Substitute with chicken broth for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. It keeps the sauce savory and family-friendly.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even whole milk, and use less butter for a lighter take. You can also load up on extra mushrooms or spinach for more veggies.
Can Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for everyone.
How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat gentle once you add the cream and cheese, and always add the cheese gradually. Stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture rather than a broken sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta—comforting yet sophisticated, it’s a dish you’ll crave all year long. Gather your ingredients, get your skillet ready, and let the aromas fill your kitchen. Your new favorite cozy dinner awaits!
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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-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and flavorful Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This dish combines tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with fettuccine for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Fettuccine:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into thin strips)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden, then set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Saute mushrooms, garlic, and seasoning. Deglaze with wine or broth, add cream and Parmesan. Simmer and combine with chicken and pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Toss everything together, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
