There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta smothered in a luscious sauce, and this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe delivers exactly that with every delightful bite. Tender chicken cubes mingle effortlessly with earthy mushrooms in a rich, velvety cream sauce highlighted by Parmesan and fragrant thyme. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together without fuss. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for yourself or sharing with friends, this dish guarantees a satisfying, flavorful experience that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze, thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their own essential character to the dish. From the juicy chicken adding hearty protein to the mushrooms that introduce a wonderful earthiness, every component plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts, cubed: Choose fresh chicken breasts that cook quickly and stay tender for the perfect protein base.
- Sliced mushrooms: Use cremini or white button mushrooms for their robust, meaty texture and earthiness.
- Olive oil: A little olive oil helps brown the chicken and sauté the mushrooms without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with mushrooms and chicken.
- Heavy cream: The star that creates the silky, dreamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Chicken broth: Brings a subtle savory note to balance the richness of the cream.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, salty goodness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Pasta (spaghetti or linguine): Choose your favorite long pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme: Essential seasonings that lift every ingredient and add a fresh herbal touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sauté for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through. Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this keeps it juicy while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet that held the chicken, toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. The leftover chicken juices will add extra flavor here. Cook the mushrooms and garlic together for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the mushrooms soften and begin to release their delicious umami essence. This step is where your kitchen starts filling with that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, which lifts the browned bits from the skillet, creating a lovely base for your sauce. This simmer helps meld the flavors and preps the pan for the creamy magic coming next.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage the sauce to thicken slightly. This is where the sauce starts to transform into that irresistible, velvety texture that clings lovingly to your pasta later on.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese melts into the cream, naturally thickening the sauce and infusing it with sharp, savory notes that balance perfectly against the sweetness of the cream and earthiness of mushrooms.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is thickening, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step ensures your pasta stays perfectly textured, ready to soak up all that rich sauce.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so each piece of chicken and every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Finish by seasoning with fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and utterly comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan on top adds a lovely fresh burst and a bit of texture contrast. If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will complement the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, which cuts through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the creamy chicken and mushroom pasta in individual shallow bowls, drizzling extra sauce over the top and finishing with a thyme sprig for an elegant touch. Alternatively, bake it briefly with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a lightly crisped topping that adds delightful texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because the cream sauce can separate and the texture may change. If you freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring the dish back to its comforting creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully, shiitake, portobello, or even chanterelle mushrooms would add unique textures and flavors. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious!
What pasta type works best for Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe?
Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine is ideal as it twirls easily and clings well to the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer—they hold sauce beautifully too.
Can I prepare any steps in advance?
You can prepare and cook the chicken ahead of time, storing it separately in the fridge. Just sauté the mushrooms and make the sauce fresh on the day you plan to serve it for best flavor and texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simply simmer the sauce a little longer or add a touch more Parmesan cheese. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, simplicity, and incredible flavor, this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a heartfelt winner every time. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside and turns any ordinary night into something memorable. Give it a try soon—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken breasts and sautéed mushrooms in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines flavorful ingredients with simple cooking techniques to create a hearty pasta meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme for seasoning
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Items
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and fragrant.
- Add chicken broth: Pour chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Create creamy sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce thickens, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and season: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with fresh thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but spaghetti or linguine works best with this sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma, but dried thyme can be used as a substitute (use about 1/3 of the fresh amount).
- If you prefer, add a handful of fresh spinach or peas towards the end of cooking for extra greens.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
