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
Scale
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
