Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of a dish that wraps you in comfort and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta—all coated in a luscious creamy sauce that is rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing family and friends, this recipe hits all the right notes, delivering both simplicity and elegance on one plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is a huge part of what makes this dish so memorable. Each component plays a vital role: pasta provides hearty texture, chicken adds protein and tenderness, mushrooms bring depth and earthiness, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with silky smoothness and savory richness.
- Pasta (12 ounces): Choose your favorite type, but something like fettuccine or penne holds the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken Breast (2 medium, about 10 ounces): Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
- Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Cremini or baby bella mushrooms have the perfect meaty texture and rich flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity aroma and helps to sear the chicken beautifully.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Enhances the sauce’s richness and helps caramelize the mushrooms.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings inviting fragrance and a gentle punch of flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates the silky, decadent sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): Adds sharpness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Boosts umami and balances the cream’s richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground): Gives a gentle heat and aromatic finish.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Pasta Perfect
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salted water seasons the pasta from within as it cooks, making each bite flavorful. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite, which perfectly balances the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken and Mushrooms
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Slice the mushrooms evenly so they cook uniformly, developing that golden, savory crust that adds incredible flavor and texture to the dish.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. This quick sear locks in juicy tenderness. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside so it’s ready to reunite with the sauce later.
Step 4: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic for Robust Flavor
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they turn a rich golden brown, which concentrates their earthy flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant—pay attention here as garlic burns quickly but adds amazing depth when treated just right.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream to the sautéed mushrooms and garlic. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the liquid to reduce slightly and thicken. Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted into a silky, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every ingredient.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken back into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water—it helps the sauce adhere better. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add a vibrant color and fresh, herbal note. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect marriage of creamy sauce, tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta in this memorable Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finish here, but you can also add a little extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the flavors. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes works wonders if you enjoy a hint of heat with your creamy pasta.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty dish with a light green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delightful creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and place the chicken strips artfully atop. You could serve this recipe in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool invitingly. Offering extra Parmesan and parsley on the side lets everyone customize their portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the cooked chicken and mushrooms separately without sauce. Thaw them in the refrigerator and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce and keep it silky smooth. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the dish’s creamy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options depending on your preferences.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind these options will be less rich but still delicious.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The pasta with creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well due to texture changes, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and mushrooms separately and make the sauce fresh when thawed.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to sauté the mushrooms.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions, adding color and extra flavor layers to your Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe quickly becomes a beloved staple because of its rich flavors, comforting textures, and simplicity in preparation. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with everyone you care about and come back to time and again when you crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender strips of chicken breast are sautéed alongside savory mushrooms, then combined with al dente pasta and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty pasta dish delivers a perfect balance of protein, creaminess, and fresh herbs in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 10 ounces total), sliced into thin strips
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
Cooking Fats and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Prepare chicken and mushrooms: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly thicken. Then stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, serve hot, and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this satisfying pasta dish.
Notes
- Use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for their robust flavor; button mushrooms can be used as a substitute.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick when combined with pasta.
- For a lighter alternative, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end according to personal taste preferences.
- Cook chicken strips evenly by slicing them uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
