Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
A comforting, creamy pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a velvety sauce. This recipe is approachable for weeknights yet special enough for a weekend dinner with friends. It balances protein, mushrooms, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce over al dente pasta, finished with parmesan and fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or spaghetti)
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté until they release their liquid and become golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add the onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the thyme. Stir in the grated parmesan, letting it melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for color and a bright finish.