Description
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate rich flavor into the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer including penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken breasts to keep them juicy.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and a fresh herb flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and smoother melting.
