Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Cream Sauce

Introduction

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Cream Sauce is a rich, indulgent, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and al dente pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions when you want something cozy yet elegant. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of parmesan, ties together the flavors beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The juicy, golden-browned chicken pairs perfectly with tender mushrooms, while the creamy sauce envelops every strand of pasta. Garlic, thyme, and parmesan give the sauce depth without being overpowering, making each bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make, and it always fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s comforting, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or an intimate meal for two, it looks impressive and tastes decadent. The creamy sauce elevates simple ingredients like chicken and mushrooms, while the pasta makes it hearty and satisfying. Its simplicity, combined with indulgent flavors, makes it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 550–600 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian / Comfort Food
• Course: Main Course / Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil until golden and cooked through; remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic until tender.
4. Deglaze pan with wine or broth, then add cream, thyme, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to pan, add pasta, and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced mushrooms. Cook 5 minutes until tender and browned. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & Make Sauce: Pour in white wine or chicken broth (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce slightly, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return cooked chicken to the pan and add drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve & Garnish: Divide pasta onto plates, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve hot in bowls or on plates as a main course. Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan for added flavor and presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken; slice it evenly for uniform cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Adjust cream quantity for a thicker or lighter sauce.
• Deglazing with wine adds depth, but chicken broth works if you prefer non-alcoholic.
• Leftover pasta can be stored and reheated gently, adding a splash of cream or broth.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic or sautéed shallots for more aroma.
• Herb Twist: Use basil, tarragon, or sage instead of thyme for different flavor profiles.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Pasta in cream sauce doesn’t freeze well; it’s best to freeze chicken and mushrooms separately, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan

• Pot for cooking pasta
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Grater for Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and are juicier.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are all great choices.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook the chicken and mushrooms ahead, but combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Cream Sauce is a decadent, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make yet feels special. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Parmesan sauce coat the pasta perfectly, creating a meal that’s both hearty and elegant. Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Every bite is rich, creamy, and satisfying, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet touch.