Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo Penne

Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo Penne is one of those timeless comfort dishes that feels indulgent, cozy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect marriage of tender chicken, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and perfectly cooked penne pasta—all wrapped in a luxuriously smooth Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Every bite feels rich and velvety, making this dish a go-to whenever you’re in the mood for something hearty and irresistible.

This Italian-inspired pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen with simple steps and everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a date night, or a cozy evening in, this dish feels special yet approachable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers warmth and luxury in every bite. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the mushrooms add umami depth and the chicken brings satisfying protein.

The texture balance—creaminess, slight chew of pasta, and tender chicken—creates a dish that feels complete and comforting.

Best of all? It’s easy to customize and feels just as good reheated the next day.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

You must try this recipe because:

• It tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant.
• The ingredients are affordable and easy to find.
• It’s a crowd-pleasing meal—perfect for kids and adults.
• It’s versatile and can be customized with vegetables, herbs, or alternate proteins.
• It reheats wonderfully, making leftovers just as delicious.

Time, Servings & Nutritional Info

Category	Details
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes
Servings	4
Calories (Approx.)	640 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Dish / Dinner / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt for boiling pasta

For the Chicken

• 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
2. Add mushrooms and cook 4–5 minutes until tender and browned.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Stir in heavy cream and milk.
3. Add Parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked chicken back to the sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta until well coated.
3. Cook 1–2 more minutes on low to let flavors blend.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while hot, topped with:

• Extra Parmesan
• Chopped parsley
• Cracked black pepper
• A squeeze of lemon (optional for brightness)

Pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• White wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

Recipe Tips

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be slightly firm.
• Let the sauce gently thicken—avoid boiling or it may separate.
• Add pasta water slowly for a silky texture.

Variations

Variation	How to Modify
Broccoli Alfredo	Stir in steamed broccoli florets.
Spinach Alfredo	Add fresh spinach to sauce until wilted.
Shrimp Variation	Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp.
Spicy Cajun Alfredo	Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of chili flakes.
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free pasta and flour (if thickening).

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Alfredo pasta does not freeze perfectly due to dairy separation, but if needed, freeze up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Gently on stovetop with added cream or milk.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Whisk
• Cutting board & knife

FAQ

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Q: Can I substitute the mushrooms?
You can omit them or use zucchini, spinach, or peas.

Q: Why did my sauce separate?
High heat can cause dairy to curdle—keep temperature medium to low.

Conclusion

Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo Penne is the definition of cozy comfort food—creamy, savory, and perfectly satisfying. With tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and velvety sauce, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe delivers beautiful flavor with very little effort.