Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: 30-Min Comfort Food Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g); 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (225g); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 cup heavy cream (240ml); 1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g); 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your favorite) (225g); 2 tablespoons butter (30g); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that has become a staple in my kitchen. This comforting and easy recipe creates a creamy, luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and pasta, all within about 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, and makes my home smell incredible as it cooks. Let’s dive into making this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and delicious. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta:

Wholesome comfort food that warms the soul.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Versatile ingredients that can be adjusted based on your pantry.
Rich and creamy flavor from the mushroom sauce.
Great for family meals or date night.
Can easily be made as a one-pot meal for less cleanup.

This recipe features creamy mushroom chicken fettuccine and is a fantastic option for those who enjoy Italian cuisine, making it a must-try!

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Gather these items:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (225g)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your favorite) (225g)
2 tablespoons butter (30g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and prep: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and rest.
Step 4: Sauté the mushrooms: In the same pan, add remaining butter. Cook mushrooms until browned and moisture released, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add garlic and thyme: Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Deglaze and make sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze pan, scraping browned bits. Simmer 1 minute, then add heavy cream. Stir and let sauce thicken 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan and season: Lower heat and stir in grated Parmesan until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Step 8: Combine everything: Slice rested chicken and add to skillet with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat pasta in sauce.
Step 9: Serve warm: Plate and garnish with extra fresh thyme or Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less pasta water.
Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
This dish can be easily adapted to make a one-pot creamy mushroom chicken pasta.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Pair with garlic bread for an Italian-inspired dinner.
Top with sautéed spinach for added nutrition and color.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish is excellent for meal prep, making it ideal for busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta?

The key to perfect chicken pasta with creamy mushroom sauce lies in the balance of flavors. Using fresh thyme and quality Parmesan cheese enhances the dish, while cooking the mushrooms until browned adds depth.

Can I make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before serving for the best results. This is a great way to have an easy creamy mushroom chicken pasta recipe ready for a quick dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the pasta or chicken. Also, remember to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed. This will make your creamy garlic mushroom chicken pasta even more delicious.

Variations of Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Add spinach for a creamy mushroom chicken pasta with spinach.
Incorporate different types of mushrooms for a creamy wild mushroom chicken pasta.
Try a lighter version using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for healthy creamy mushroom chicken pasta options.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: 30-Min Comfort Food Delight - Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe or explore Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting meal.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: 30-Min Comfort Food Delight - Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta - additional detail

Additionally, you can learn more about the health benefits of mushrooms here.