This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and ultra-satisfying dish that brings the perfect balance of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and silky Parmesan cream sauce over a bed of al dente pasta. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for a dinner date at home. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering savory depth from sautéed garlic and onions, richness from cream and cheese, and a burst of freshness from chopped parsley.

Full recipe

Ingredients

• Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)

• 250 g (8.8 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes

• Salt, to taste

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• Olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 300 g (10.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 350 ml (12 fl oz) heavy cream

• 30 g (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with salt and black pepper.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, melt butter with a bit of olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.

5. Add mushrooms and sauté for 4 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown.

6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Season with a bit more salt and pepper.

8. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly for 3–4 minutes.

9. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.

10. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix to coat.

11. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir everything together until well combined.

12. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~540 per serving

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 2g

• Calcium: 18% DV

• Iron: 12% DV

• Vitamin D (from mushrooms and cream): 10% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4

About This Recipe

This creamy chicken mushroom pasta recipe is a go-to meal when you’re craving something comforting, delicious, and easy to make. The cream sauce is enriched with Parmesan, garlic, and sautéed mushrooms, giving the dish an earthy and slightly nutty flavor. Chicken breast adds lean protein and makes the dish filling without being heavy. Pasta acts as the perfect base to absorb all the flavor and texture from the sauce. With one pan and a pot, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines a gourmet experience with weeknight ease. The cooking steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are pantry staples. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce is addictively delicious, especially when balanced with the umami from mushrooms and the protein from tender chicken. The whole dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dinner. It’s also endlessly customizable and suitable for any season.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

While not traditional Italian, this pasta recipe is inspired by classic Italian cream sauces such as Alfredo and mushroom tagliatelle. It takes its cues from comfort food traditions that span across Italian-American kitchens, where cream, garlic, and cheese are the holy trinity of flavor. Combining mushrooms and chicken with pasta is a beloved practice across the Mediterranean region. This version keeps the ingredient list short and focused on richness and balance, while honoring rustic cooking roots.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This pasta stores and reheats beautifully:

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

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid curdling the cream.
  Tip: Avoid freezing the dish as the cream may separate and change texture upon thawing.

Common Variations to Try

• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne for a kick.

• Use different protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a change.

• Swap the pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, rigatoni, or even gnocchi work well.

• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.

• Try different mushrooms: Portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms enhance depth.

• Lighter option: Use half cream and half milk, or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this creamy pasta with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans

• Toasted garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to mop up the extra sauce
  For drinks, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Sparkling water with lemon is also a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing.

Health Benefits

Though creamy and indulgent, this recipe can be part of a balanced diet. Chicken provides lean protein, mushrooms offer fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants, and garlic supports immune function. Using a smaller amount of Parmesan gives you flavor without overdoing sodium or fat. You can also use whole wheat pasta or add vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient content. With portion control and fresh ingredients, this dish delivers both taste and nutrition.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a little flour or cornstarch.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives. Olive oil can replace butter.

3. What kind of mushrooms work best?
White button mushrooms are classic, but cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer deeper flavor.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, just adjust cooking time slightly.

5. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Simmer gently on low heat and don’t let the sauce boil vigorously.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s creamy, mild, and easy to eat — great for the whole family.

7. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, spinach, peas, or zucchini work well. Stir them in during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

8. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a shredded cheese blend can substitute in a pinch.

9. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the components ahead and assemble just before serving. Best served fresh though.

10. Can I make this into a baked pasta?
Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: rich, comforting, quick, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or a casual dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress. The tender chicken, savory mushrooms, garlic-infused cream sauce, and sharp Parmesan all come together in a harmonious bite that feels indulgent and homey. With plenty of room to customize, it’s a recipe that you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be glad you did!