Chicken Mushroom Alfredo Penne Pasta

Chicken Mushroom Alfredo Penne Pasta is a creamy, indulgent Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and silky Alfredo sauce.

This dish is comforting, satisfying, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of cream, clings beautifully to the pasta, while the mushrooms add depth and the chicken adds protein, making each bite flavorful and hearty.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it balances comfort and elegance perfectly. The Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, yet not overpowering, letting the flavors of the chicken and mushrooms shine. Every forkful is a mix of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and earthy mushrooms coated in a velvety sauce.

It’s one of those dishes that tastes luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make at home. The aroma while cooking fills the kitchen with warmth and makes it irresistible even before the first bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, rich, and satisfying.
• Perfect for Pasta Lovers: Combines chicken, mushrooms, and penne in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: Uses simple ingredients, but tastes restaurant-quality.
• Versatile: Can be adapted with different herbs, pasta shapes, or proteins.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Pasta Dish
• Cuisine: Italian / Contemporary

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 300g penne pasta
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken and Mushrooms:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra grated parmesan

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Sauté mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet with mushrooms and garlic.
2. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in parmesan cheese, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

1. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet.
2. Toss in cooked penne pasta and mix well to coat evenly with Alfredo sauce.
3. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil penne pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté seasoned chicken until cooked through. Set aside.
3. Sauté mushrooms and garlic until golden and aromatic.
4. Add butter and cream to the mushrooms, then stir in parmesan and seasonings.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat with sauce.
6. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
7. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in shallow bowls or pasta plates.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente holds up better in the sauce.
• Sauté mushrooms until golden brown for maximum flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine before cream for extra depth (optional).
• Adjust seasoning gradually; parmesan adds saltiness.

Variations

1. Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add more mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
2. Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
3. Pesto Twist: Mix 1–2 tbsp basil pesto into the Alfredo sauce.
4. Protein Variations: Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
5. Different Pasta Shapes: Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle work well.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk.
• Freezer: Pasta dishes with cream sauces do not freeze well; the texture may change. If necessary, freeze pasta, chicken, and mushrooms separately for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan for cooking chicken, mushrooms, and sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Grater for parmesan

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook chicken, mushrooms, and pasta separately. Assemble and heat the sauce just before serving.

Q2: Can I use a lighter cream or milk?
A: Yes, use half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Q3: Can I prepare this in a single pan?
A: Yes, sauté chicken and mushrooms first, then cook pasta in another pot and combine.

Q4: How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
A: Keep heat medium-low and stir continuously when adding cream and cheese.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, but add it toward the end to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Chicken Mushroom Alfredo Penne Pasta is a luxurious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Its rich taste, hearty texture, and restaurant-quality presentation make it a favorite for both family dinners and special occasions.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe brings gourmet Italian flavors to your home kitchen without hassle. Once you try it, this creamy pasta dish will become a go-to recipe for any pasta lover.