Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, where tender chicken and earthy mushrooms dance together in a rich, velvety sauce that will make your taste buds sing! This Italian-inspired Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta isn't just another dinner recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises restaurant-quality deliciousness in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of diced chicken breast, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is creamy and well combined, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's the secret to perfectly seasoned pasta from the inside out.
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged. The difference in taste is remarkable!
- Don't overcook your chicken - remove it from the pan as soon as it's no longer pink to keep it tender and juicy.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and adds extra flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Let the pasta sit for a minute after combining with the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 120mg
