If you love restaurant-quality pasta that you can whip up at home, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. Imagine a tangle of fettuccine coated in a rich, velvety sauce packed with savory mushrooms and juicy chicken, finished with a shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s that ideal comfort food you crave but easy enough for any weeknight, plus there are handy ways to make it even faster or sneak in extra veggies. This dish really brings together everything you love about Italian-American cooking in just one pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta plays a starring role, bringing depth, creaminess, or a punch of savory flavor. With just a handful of fresh, simple items, you can create an irresistible pasta that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
- Fettuccine or Pasta of Choice (12 oz): Wide, flat noodles like fettuccine are ideal to soak up all that luscious sauce, but any pasta you love will work here.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (1 lb, sliced): Tender strips of chicken cook quickly and add hearty protein to every bite.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Gives the chicken beautiful browning and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds luxurious richness and brings out the earthiness in the mushrooms.
- Cremini or White Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Their savory depth infuses the creamy sauce, making every forkful extra special.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The foundation of flavor—you’ll smell it and know something delicious is happening!
- Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): Subtly herbal, thyme lifts and balances all the creamy, savory notes.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): A classic Italian herb that adds just the right touch of warmth.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Deglazes the pan and brings savory backbone to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The secret to that silky, dreamy finish—don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce and gives it a nutty, umami kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of your pasta.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a splash of color and a whisper of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine (or whatever pasta you love) according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain and set it aside—don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later. This step lays the foundation for all that creamy goodness to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your sliced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the pieces are golden and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside for now—they’ll go back in later to soak up lots of flavor!
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In that same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the butter, letting it melt and sizzle. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft, deeply golden, and just beginning to release their juices—they’ll give your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta deep earthy flavor and irresistible texture.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and oregano, letting them sizzle for about a minute until they’re fragrant. This is where everything really starts to smell like a cozy Italian kitchen, and those herbs bloom into the butter and mushrooms.
Step 5: Deglaze and Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This brings intense flavor into the sauce! Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—don’t rush it, you want the sauce to thicken until it just coats the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce turns silky and glossy. The transformation is magic—the cheese thickens the sauce while adding a nutty, tangy finish that makes this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta so addicting.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in your pasta, using tongs to ensure every strand gets blanketed with sauce. Season once more with salt and black pepper, taste, and adjust as needed. If you want to add a handful of peas or spinach, here’s your chance. Give everything a final toss, and it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a pop of herby freshness. If you love extra cheese, serve with more grated Parmesan at the table—no one ever complains about too much cheese! A twist of black pepper on top is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This pasta is plenty hearty on its own, but it’s fabulous with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty bread or warm garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every bit of that beautiful sauce. You could also serve roasted broccoli or asparagus for an extra touch of green.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in individual bowls or on a big family-style platter for a touch of drama. For a special dinner, twirl the pasta into nests using tongs for an elegant look. Dress up each bowl with extra herbs or even a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta stores very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your lunch or next-day dinner even more satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, although the texture of the sauce might change slightly due to the cream. To freeze, cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir well as it warms to bring back that smooth, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Fettuccine is traditional, but any pasta shape you love—penne, linguine, rigatoni—will do a great job of soaking up the sauce for your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or white mushrooms are both excellent. If you want a deeper mushroom flavor, try a mix of cremini and shiitake, or even a few wild mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. This is a great spot to add spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color in your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. Just toss them in when you add the cooked chicken and pasta back to the skillet.
How can I make this even creamier?
If you love an extra-indulgent texture, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the heavy cream. It will make your sauce even silkier and give the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta an ultra-rich finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting, packed with flavor, and truly soul-satisfying, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. This dish is a little bit of kitchen magic that brings everyone to the table with a smile. I hope you give it a try and it becomes a new favorite in your pasta rotation!
Print
Creamy Chicken and 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 the comforting flavors of this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce come together to create a delightful meal that will surely please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Fettuccine:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into strips)
Other:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown chicken strips in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same pan, cook mushrooms until tender. Add garlic, thyme, and oregano.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze with chicken broth, then add cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, add pasta, toss to coat. Season and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Try adding spinach or peas for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
