Creamy Garlic Chicken Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together with your favorite pasta for a truly delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and turn golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
6. Step 6: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the pasta and mix until evenly covered with the creamy mixture.
9. Step 9: Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for a brighter flavor, or substitute with Italian seasoning if unavailable.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and taste.
• Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet feels crowded to ensure even browning.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Choose your favorite for the best result.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or your favorite vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for full vegetarian flavor.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken Mushroom Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a silky garlic cream sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a luscious, satisfying meal garnished with fresh parsley.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

Protein and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauté and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Mushrooms: Stir the sliced mushrooms and thyme into the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn a golden brown color.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add depth of flavor. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
6. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir gently and allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it completely melts, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and mix well until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
9. Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture if preferred.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
• Mushrooms can be substituted with cremini or button mushrooms depending on what you have.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on low heat adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, Mushroom Pasta, Chicken Mushroom Pasta, One-Pan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food