Heavenly Chicken Mushroom Pasta
Heavenly Chicken Mushroom Pasta is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting meal offers luscious flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), cleaned and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or gluten-free option)
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and clean the mushrooms. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onions and fresh herbs to have everything ready for cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet, then add the chicken. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil, then toss in mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Sauté until mushrooms are tender and fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for better texture and flavor over canned or dried options.
- Cook chicken just until done to keep it juicy and prevent dryness.
- Reserve pasta water to create a smoother sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and texture.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, mushroom pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten free option