Indulge in luxurious, restaurant-quality comfort food at home with this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. Featuring tender pan-seared chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every noodle, this recipe delivers five-star flavor with weeknight ease. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or anytime you crave indulgent pasta without the fuss.

Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with a Silky Cream Sauce

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Calories: 550

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcal

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in about 30–40 minutes.
Customizable: Swap pasta types, use dairy-free cream, or add extra vegetables.
Versatile Protein: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main Components:

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or gluten-free alternative)
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or button)
4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add mushrooms and cook 5–6 minutes until caramelized.
Add shallot and garlic; sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) while scraping up browned bits.
Let reduce by half (2–3 minutes).
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and remaining 3 tbsp butter.
Simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return chicken to the skillet.
Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
Add reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time to achieve a silky sauce texture.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Success

Silky Sauce Secret: Avoid boiling the cream; simmer gently to prevent curdling.
Umami Boost: Add 1 tsp soy sauce or ½ tsp miso paste for extra depth.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with roasted mushrooms or chickpeas.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half with 1 tbsp cornstarch (whisked in) instead of cream.
Pasta Choice: Wide noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle hold the sauce better than thin noodles.

FAQs About Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.

2. Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream. Use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives if desired.

3. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Cook pasta and sauce separately. Store chicken, mushrooms, and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Combine and heat before serving.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers make great additions. Add them during the sauce stage to cook lightly.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Simmer gently on medium-low heat and avoid boiling. Add pasta water gradually to adjust consistency.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta combines tender chicken, caramelized mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a truly indulgent, yet approachable dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s versatile, comforting, and bursting with flavor. With simple steps, minimal cleanup, and endless customization options, it’s the ultimate go-to comfort food that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.