Tender Chicken and Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

A Comforting and Satisfying Dish

This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is the perfect combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal on a cool evening, this dish is sure to impress. The creamy sauce, made with a blend of Parmesan, cream, and seasonings, beautifully coats the pasta, making every bite indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Rich and Flavorful – A combination of garlic, Parmesan, and mushrooms enhances the depth of flavor.
• Family-Friendly – A universally loved dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
• Customizable – Swap out the protein, adjust the sauce, or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Mushrooms:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta and gently mix everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap – Use shrimp, salmon, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian Option – Omit the chicken and add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers.
• Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy Twist – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Serving Size and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Warm on low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly while adding the cream. Avoid boiling the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine work best as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just heat it in the sauce before combining it with the pasta.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work well in this dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding white wine while deglazing the pan, or mix in some fresh basil at the end.

What side dishes pair well with this?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and mushrooms in advance and store them separately. Assemble and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a foolproof comfort food dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. With its rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal!

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