If you adore comforting pasta dinners that feel fancy yet come together effortlessly, you’re about to fall in love with this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce. Imagine tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and just the right touch of garlic all bathed in a velvety, parmesan-laced sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. This dish checks all the boxes for a delightful weeknight meal and it’s sure to impress both family and friends. Let’s embark on a flavor journey that will have you putting this recipe on repeat!

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce is how it celebrates a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each star on this list delivers its own unique magic, whether it’s vibrant flavor, rich umami, or glorious, creamy texture.

Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or penne): Picks up all that delicious sauce and provides the perfect chew in every forkful.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the chicken a beautiful sear and a hint of fruity richness.
Chicken breasts (1 pound, boneless skinless, sliced): Turns this pasta into a satisfying, protein-packed main course.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the seasoning starts from the inside out.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives the dish a gentle, warming kick without overpowering.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Lends rich depth to the mushrooms as they cook and browns beautifully.
Cremini or white mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Add earthiness, meatiness, and a gorgeous golden color.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For irresistible aroma and sweet, savory punch.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Lightens the sauce and infuses savory flavor into every bite.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to that lush, luscious creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds nutty, salty sparkle while helping the sauce thicken.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together lovely herbal notes reminiscent of your favorite trattoria.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle hint of heat and complexity.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Brightens it all up with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Before you drain it, scoop out half a cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This starchy liquid is pure gold for making your sauce silky and ensuring it perfectly coats every strand or tube.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta boils, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season your sliced chicken generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken pieces in and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning just once, until they’re golden on the outside and juicy inside. Remove the chicken to a plate—don’t worry, it’ll come back soon!

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the butter and your mushrooms. Let them sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every so often until they’re beautifully browned and have released their savory, umami-packed juices. Add the garlic, stirring for just a minute until it becomes fragrant—just enough time to unlock its magic without burning.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the pan for maximum flavor. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Next, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until it melts into a dreamy, luscious sauce. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you crave a subtle kick. Simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and swirl all the flavors together.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the juicy chicken and any collected juices to the skillet, along with your cooked pasta. Toss everything together until all the noodles are coated in that gorgeous creamy sauce. If it looks a bit thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water—just enough to loosen things and make the sauce glossy and luxurious.

How to Serve Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce

Garnishes

Take your Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce from great to unforgettable with finishing touches like a shower of freshly chopped parsley for color, or a flurry of extra parmesan for a salty, creamy contrast. A squeeze of lemon can also add lovely brightness if you’re in the mood!

Side Dishes

This dish plays beautifully alongside crisp green salads with a zippy vinaigrette or baskets of warm garlic bread ready for swiping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a platter of steamed broccoli also make wonderful partners for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-worthy take, twirl individual servings into shallow bowls and top each with extra sauce, a sprig of herbs, and a few mushroom slices. You can also bake leftovers in a small casserole with a handful of mozzarella for a bubbly pasta bake twist on Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer your pasta to an airtight container once it’s cooled to room temperature. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days without losing its creamy, comforting texture.

Freezing

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce can be frozen, though the creamy sauce may change texture ever so slightly. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta before microwaving or warming in a skillet over low heat. This helps restore that creamy, silky consistency so your leftovers taste as dreamy as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classics, any pasta shape that hugs the sauce, like rigatoni or even rotini, will work perfectly for Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce.

Can I substitute the mushrooms?

Yes, feel free to use portobello, shiitake, or even a blend for extra flavor. If you’re not a mushroom fan, try zucchini or bell peppers for a different twist.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version of Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. Just know the sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify all other ingredients (especially the broth and seasoning) are gluten-free to enjoy this creamy masterpiece without worry.

What protein alternatives work here?

If you want to mix things up, try shrimp, sliced turkey breast, or even tofu. Each soaks up the creamy sauce and pairs nicely with the mushrooms and pasta.

Final Thoughts

I can hardly wait for you to try Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce—you’ll be transported by its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms in every bite. Whether you whip it up for a weeknight dinner or a cozy dinner party, this is one recipe guaranteed to win hearts and earn you plenty of recipe requests!

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce. Tender chicken strips and earthy mushrooms are combined with a rich, creamy sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.