Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g fettuccine or pasta of choice; Salt, for boiling water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 400g chicken breast, sliced; 200g mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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I absolutely love making Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta on busy weeknights when I crave something rich and satisfying yet quick to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy garlic sauce creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and around 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up this delightful meal that's perfect for the whole family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-24T05:45:36.559Z

When I first made this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create such a delectable dish. The key is to sauté the mushrooms until they’re golden brown and caramelized, which enhances their flavor and adds depth to the sauce. I recommend using a mix of different mushrooms for a more complex taste!

Additionally, incorporating fresh herbs at the end gives the dish a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the creaminess. While cooking, make sure to reserve some pasta water; it helps to achieve the desired sauce consistency and binds everything wonderfully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite
Tender chicken and savory mushrooms for a robust flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Cooking pasta to the perfect al dente texture is key to this dish. Make sure to add enough salt to the boiling water — it should taste like the sea! This not only flavors the pasta but also enhances the overall dish. As you drain the pasta, the reserved pasta water can be a game-changer. It's starchy and helps bind the sauce to the noodles, creating a beautiful velvety finish.

For a fun twist, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta alternatives. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may differ slightly from traditional fettuccine. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cooking pasta for added color and flavor.

Building Flavor with the Sauce

The richness of the heavy cream is balanced beautifully by the earthy mushrooms and savory chicken. When sautéing the mushrooms, ensure they release their moisture before adding the garlic; you want them to develop deep, golden-brown edges for that umami kick. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning – a medium heat should be ideal for this step.

If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but this will yield a slightly thinner sauce. Additionally, adding a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms can elevate the sauce’s flavor profile with a subtle acidity.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, don’t skimp on the garnishes. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and enhances the dish's creaminess. Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh, herbal note that beautifully complements the rich sauce.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving it alongside a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread. A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or even arugula can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

300g fettuccine or pasta of choice
Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
400g chicken breast, sliced
200g mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the skillet after cooking the mushrooms. This adds a lovely depth to the sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're pressed for time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and simply reheat them on the stove when ready to serve. This will intensify the flavors as they have time to meld, making your pasta experience even richer.

To freeze, allow the pasta and sauce to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The dish can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, consider adding a bit of extra cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken during freezing.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find the sauce too thick, it’s likely due to not adding enough reserved pasta water or chicken broth. Gradually add liquid, stirring, until you achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, allowing it to simmer a bit longer can help it thicken naturally. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Overcooking the chicken can lead to a dry texture, so watch it closely. To check for doneness, cut a piece in the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink. Using a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F can eliminate any guesswork.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize the dish according to your taste. For a spicier kick, adding crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic step can enhance the flavor profile. Alternatively, you can include additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even peas for added color and nutrition.

If you want a different protein, this recipe easily adapts to shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be aware that cooking times will vary; shrimp will only need a few minutes in the skillet until they turn pink, while tofu should be pre-cooked until golden for a satisfying bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them when you're ready to serve.

→ What other types of pasta can I use?

You can use any pasta type you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options!

→ Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli can enhance the nutrient content and flavor!