Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Have you ever felt that warm rush of nostalgia when a cozy dish wafts through the kitchen? This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is just that—a hug in a bowl. Imagine the rich, comforting aroma of sautéed mushrooms mingling with a silky sauce that envelops perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, sparking smiles and satisfied sighs with every scoop. What’s more, it comes together quickly, so you can enjoy this dream of a dinner on even the busiest nights.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

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A comforting and rich creamy chicken and mushroom pasta dish that comes together quickly for busy nights.

• Author: 02
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Poultry

Ingredients

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• 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the sliced chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is well coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken or adding fresh spinach alongside the mushrooms.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Let’s Make It Together

Creating this creamy delight is a bit like wrapping up in your favorite blanket—a simple process, yet utterly fulfilling. With just a few key ingredients and a skillet ready to go, you’ll transform basic weeknight cooking into a heartwarming meal that tastes like love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is the first step in so many comforting pasta dishes! Cook your pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. When it’s just about done, drain it and toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil—this will keep it from sticking together while we work on the sauce.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the two tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the sliced chicken breast. Season it generously with salt and pepper, letting it sauté until golden brown and fully cooked through—this’ll take about 6 to 8 minutes. Nothing beats that lovely, sizzling sound as it cooks!
3. Next, it’s time to introduce the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the party in the skillet. Stir them together for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic has filled the kitchen with its fragrant aroma.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and dried thyme. As you stir these elements together, allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly, each swirl creating a luxurious base for our pasta.
5. Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Watch as it get enveloped in that creamy goodness! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. The final touch? Serving it hot and garnishing your masterpiece with fresh parsley and a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. What a sight!

Nutritional Snapshot

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 620
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 52g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 2g

Packed with protein and fiber, this creamy dish will keep you satisfied without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect balance for a busy life—comfort food that nourishes.

Perfect Pairings

Picture this: a cozy family dinner with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delightful sauce or a crisp salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Handcrafted lemonade or a lovely glass of white wine could accompany it beautifully, adding to those warm family moments. It’s perfect for a weekend family dinner or just a cozy night in with your favorite movie.

Keep It Fresh

To preserve any leftovers, allow your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to stretch that deliciousness a bit longer, it can also be frozen for up to a month! When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Betty’s Secrets

• To enhance the depth of flavor, try marinating your chicken in a little lemon juice or balsamic vinegar before cooking it; this adds a lovely tang.
• For an extra layer of flavor, sauté a small handful of fresh spinach or kale alongside the mushrooms; it incorporates beautifully and adds vibrant color.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs! Fresh basil or oregano can add a lovely twist and brighten up the dish.

Creative Twists

• In the fall, consider adding a hint of nutmeg or even pumpkin puree for a cream sauce that feels festive and rich.
• During warmer months, swap in fresh zucchini or asparagus for additional veggies that bring a fresh taste to your creamy sauce.
• For a more decadent experience, toss in some goat cheese during the simmering stage for an even creamier texture and tangy flavor from the cheese.

Your Questions Answered

How long does Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta take to make? This delightful dish can be on your table in just about 25 minutes, making it a winning option for busy weeknights.

Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully, any pasta shape you love—like penne or rigatoni—will do wonders in holding that flavorful sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter? You can opt for half-and-half in place of heavy cream or try using Greek yogurt to cut down on calories while still preserving some creaminess.

What can I serve with this dish? A fresh green salad and some crusty bread would make perfect companions for this creamy delight, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce!