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Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
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Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, silky cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy and versatile recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, offering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 8 oz fresh cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)

Pantry

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms evenly, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese to have all ingredients ready for quick cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency.
  3. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the mushrooms until they release their juices and turn golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the mushrooms. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. Mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water little by little if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with freshly chopped herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best creamy, comforting experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to help it cook evenly and stay juicy.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; sauté mushrooms and chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a nice golden crust rather than steaming.
  • Reserve pasta water as its starch content helps thicken and bind the sauce perfectly.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent the cream from curdling and maintain a silky texture.
  • Fresh herbs add brightness and a pop of color that enhances the dish’s appeal.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, mushroom pasta, easy chicken dinner, chicken and mushroom recipe, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, family-friendly pasta

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/creamy-chicken-mushroom-pasta/