Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
There’s nothing more satisfying after a long day than a big bowl of creamy pasta. And when it comes to comfort in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is truly unbeatable. Juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luxuriously rich garlic cream sauce that feels like a hug in every bite.
It’s elegant enough for date night yet easy enough for a busy Tuesday dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta dish delivers restaurant-level flavor without the fuss — the kind of meal that instantly becomes a family favorite.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One pan simplicity: Cook everything in one skillet — fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
- Rich and indulgent flavor: Buttery garlic cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms and tender chicken.
- Quick to make: From start to finish in 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Works with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
- Crowd-pleaser: Creamy, savory, and loved by kids and adults alike.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white button, sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (1 minute shy of package directions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3 – Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add butter. Once melted, toss in mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Step 4 – Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and scrape any browned bits from the bottom (this adds deep flavor). Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5 – Add Cheese and Seasoning
Whisk in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. The sauce will thicken and become silky smooth.
Step 6 – Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 7 – Serve and Garnish
Plate immediately and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season and sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until tender.
- Add broth and cream, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan and seasonings. Toss in pasta and chicken.
- Add pasta water as needed for creaminess, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
🍄 Why Mushrooms Make It Magic
Mushrooms bring a rich, umami depth to this dish — their savory flavor enhances the cream sauce without overpowering it. Whether you use cremini, portobello, or button mushrooms, their meaty texture perfectly complements the tender chicken and velvety sauce.
For an extra boost, try a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for more complex flavor notes.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Deglaze the pan. Use broth or white wine to scrape up flavorful bits from cooking chicken and mushrooms.
- Adjust consistency. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Finish with freshness. A sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon adds brightness.
🧀 Variations to Try
- Spinach Mushroom Pasta: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving.
- Garlic Herb Upgrade: Add thyme or rosemary for aromatic depth.
- Bacon Lovers: Crisp a few slices of bacon first and use the drippings for cooking the chicken.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the mushrooms!
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Round out your creamy pasta dinner with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy baguette
- Simple Caesar or garden salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon
⏳ Make Ahead & Storage
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat.
- To Freeze: Freeze sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months; reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
❤️ The Comfort of Creamy Pasta
There’s something magical about a creamy pasta dish — it’s nostalgic, heartwarming, and effortlessly satisfying. Every bite of this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta delivers the perfect combination of tender noodles, golden chicken, and luscious garlic sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the family, this meal guarantees smiles at the table. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum comfort — that’s the FoodieMoms way.
