Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. Featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – The silky Parmesan cream sauce is irresistibly smooth.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal steps make this dish perfect for busy nights.
- Restaurant-quality at home – Enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving your kitchen.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 7-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Use different pasta: Swap penne or fettuccine for spaghetti, linguine, or even rigatoni.
- Add more veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers make great additions.
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
- Swap the protein: Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The creamy sauce may separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes! Cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms all work well in this recipe.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Fettuccine and penne are great choices, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more mushrooms or another vegetable for substance.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If using pre-cooked chicken, add it in at the end with the pasta to warm it through.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free.
Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Yes! Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be great alternatives for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
This Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just craving comfort food, this recipe is an easy way to bring gourmet flavors to your table. Give it a try, and it might just become a regular in your meal rotation!
Print
Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with a Silky Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a luxuriously silky Parmesan cream sauce come together in this easy, restaurant-quality dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta is rich, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 7-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ In the same skillet, add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
4️⃣ Pour in chicken broth, simmer, and let it reduce by half (3-4 minutes).
5️⃣ Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6️⃣ Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
7️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
✔ Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
✔ Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
✔ Vegetarian Version – Omit chicken and use vegetable broth.
✔ Gluten-Free Alternative – Use gluten-free pasta.
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