Creamy Silky Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Creamy pasta dishes never fail to comfort when you’re seeking a delightful chicken and mushroom pasta that melts in your mouth.

Earthy mushrooms blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces creating a luxurious sauce.

Each forkful promises a harmonious dance of rich, velvety flavors that whisper culinary elegance.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to craft an extraordinary meal in mere minutes.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this elegant yet uncomplicated dish.

Savor the magic of a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your own kitchen, without hours of complicated preparation.

Prepare to indulge in a pasta experience that will become your new favorite comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 800 kcal

Servings: 5

Pantry Picks for Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

• Linguine or Fettuccine: Wide, flat noodles perfect for capturing the rich, creamy sauce with a silky texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory foundation that enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully and adds substantial texture to the meal.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty fungi that deliver robust, concentrated flavor and wonderful woodland notes.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses intense depth and warmth into the sauce.
• Onion: Subtle sweetness and foundational flavor builder for the entire dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce that coats pasta and binds ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts smoothly and adds complex, nutty undertones.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that provides fresh color and light peppery finish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate all other ingredients' flavors.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base for sautéing that adds subtle richness to the cooking process.

Tools That Help Everything Come Together

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Sharp knife: For slicing mushrooms and chicken into even pieces.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Large skillet: Used to create creamy sauce and cook chicken and mushrooms.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.

Cook the Pasta and Sauce in Harmony

• Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s beautifully tender yet firm. Scoop out a bit of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will come in handy later!

• Sauté Chicken and Mushrooms

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden and juicy. Push the chicken to one side and add mushrooms, letting them dance and caramelize in the pan.

• Createal Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream, letting it simmer gently. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a luxurious, velvety sauce. Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

• Combine and Elevate

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together so each strand gets coated in the creamy, savory sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a burst of brightness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate your pasta, letting the steam rise and the aromas tantalize. Top with an extra dusting of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Try These Flavor Edits to Shake Things Up

• Prep the sauce a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights, simply reheat gently before combining with pasta.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Add grilled shrimp, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based chicken substitute to transform this dish into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Toss in additional seasonal vegetables like spinach, roasted bell peppers, or asparagus to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Plate This Dish Beautifully

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this pasta in large, warm bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a comforting family dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate the creamy chicken pasta on white porcelain dishes, garnish with shaved parmesan and a delicate herb sprig to elevate the meal for sophisticated guests.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the dish's heaviness and enhances its delicate flavors.
• Side Dish Companions: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a fresh counterpoint to the main course.

Save Portions for Tomorrow’s Dinner

• Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workweek days.
• Store the pasta and chicken mixture separately to maintain optimal texture, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days in sealed containers at 40°F or below.
• Pack cooled dish in airtight freezer-safe containers, which can preserve quality for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of chicken broth or cream, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe?

Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal for this dish. They have a mild, earthy flavor that complements the chicken and cream sauce perfectly.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe requires 3 tablespoons of fresh thyme, use 1 tablespoon of dried thyme.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or additional grilled chicken on top of the pasta. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese for an extra protein boost.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to maintain the creamy consistency.

Silky Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta emerges as a comforting Italian-inspired dish with rich, velvety sauce. Herb-infused ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal perfect for hungry home cooks seeking robust flavor profiles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or preferred pasta
• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup (237 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, precisely following package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious skillet, transform butter into a golden elixir over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence until edges become translucent and gloriously aromatic.
3. Flavor Layering: Add mushroom slices, allowing them to caramelize and exude their rich earthiness. Simultaneously, incorporate chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until chicken achieves a pristine white color with subtle golden highlights.
4. Sauce Transformation: Stream heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Integrate parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to forge a silky, harmonious sauce that envelops the ingredients in creamy perfection.
5. Final Assembly: Combine pasta with the velvety sauce, utilizing reserved cooking liquid to fine-tune consistency. Ensure each pasta strand is magnificently coated. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, introducing a vibrant herbal dimension. Serve immediately while the sauce remains gloriously creamy and inviting.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy cooking liquid, as it helps create a silky, smooth sauce and improves overall pasta coating.
• Mushroom Browning Technique: Allow mushrooms to caramelize without overcrowding the skillet, ensuring deep flavor development and preventing soggy texture.
• Chicken Cooking Precision: Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overdone to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, use gluten-free pasta, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for alternative dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg