Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: A Restaurant-Quality Dinner Made Easy at Home
There’s something truly comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy chicken and mushroom pasta. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause after the first bite — silky, savory, and luxuriously satisfying. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and luscious cream sauce come together in perfect harmony, coating every strand of pasta in pure comfort.
This dish tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or trying to impress guests on a Friday night, this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Fewer dishes, more flavor — everything cooks in one skillet.
- Rich and creamy: The sauce is silky smooth, thanks to a perfect balance of cream, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Perfect weeknight comfort: Ready in under 35 minutes, but feels like a fine dining meal.
- Customizable: Works with any pasta shape and can be adapted for dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 10 oz (280g) pasta (fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne work best)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker sauce)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside. - Cook the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Sauté the mushrooms.
In the same pan, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Deglaze and build flavor.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan for added flavor. Simmer for 2 minutes. - Make the creamy sauce.
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.- For a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Combine everything.
Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss well to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. - Finish and serve.
Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the pan and sauté mushrooms until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits.
- Add cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add parsley and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Tips for the Creamiest Pasta Ever
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoothly into the sauce and prevents clumps.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly underdone pasta will soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Add pasta water sparingly: It helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
- Cook mushrooms properly: Let them brown before stirring to bring out their earthy flavor.
Variations
- Spinach & Chicken Mushroom Pasta: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach right before serving for color and nutrients.
- Bacon Lovers’ Version: Add crispy bacon pieces for extra richness.
- Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
- No Cream Alternative: Replace heavy cream with a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- To Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 1 month, though the sauce may need extra cream when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy chicken and mushroom pasta with:
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette
- A fresh Caesar or arugula salad
- A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon
This dish also makes a perfect date night meal — elegant yet effortless, rich yet balanced.
Fun Fact: Why Mushrooms Make Pasta Magic
Mushrooms are known for their umami — the savory “fifth taste” that makes dishes taste more complex and satisfying. When sautéed, they release natural glutamates that deepen the flavor of creamy sauces. Combined with Parmesan and garlic, they turn a simple pasta dish into something truly gourmet.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is the ultimate comfort meal — rich, cozy, and ready in just over half an hour. The sauce is smooth and garlicky, the mushrooms add depth, and the chicken provides protein-packed heartiness. It’s the perfect fusion of elegance and ease.
So, grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aroma of creamy pasta perfection. With one bite, you’ll understand why this dish is a weeknight favorite and a weekend indulgence all in one.
