Chicken Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Name: Chicken Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, diced; 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Ideas

I love preparing Chicken Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce when I need a comforting meal that's also quick. This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce that I can whip up in under 30 minutes. The flavors meld beautifully, and I find it's perfect for a cozy night in or to impress friends at a dinner party. Plus, it’s versatile; I can easily adapt the ingredients based on what I have on hand, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:53:35.429Z

When experimenting with chicken pasta recipes, I stumbled upon the idea of adding mushrooms for a depth of flavor. The creamy mushroom sauce became the star of the dish, elevating the chicken and pasta to new heights. I remember cooking this for the first time when I had friends over, and they couldn't get enough of it!

One tip I've learned is to sauté the mushrooms until they're golden brown; this technique enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful richness to the sauce. With each bite, the creaminess combined with the savory mushrooms is just divine!

You Will Love This Recipe Because
Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite
Tender chicken pieces that soak up the flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

Understanding the Sauce

The creamy mushroom sauce plays a pivotal role in this Chicken Pasta dish, creating a rich flavor profile that elevates the entire meal. Heavy cream is essential here; it gives the sauce its luscious consistency. As it simmers, the cream thickens and absorbs the savory notes from the sautéed garlic and mushrooms, forming a beautiful, glossy finish. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the skillet after cooking the mushrooms, which adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Mushrooms not only improve the texture but also contribute umami, a savory flavor that rounds out the dish. For this recipe, I recommend button or cremini mushrooms; both provide excellent flavor and absorb the sauce nicely. If you're feeling adventurous, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms. Just be aware that some mushrooms may require more cooking time to release their moisture and develop a deeper flavor.

Making It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or pantry. If you're short on time or ingredients, shredded rotisserie chicken can work wonderfully as a substitute for fresh chicken breasts, cutting down the cooking time significantly. You can also swap in a different pasta shape; while fettuccine is delightful, penne or farfalle would work just as well and offer a unique texture to the dish.

For a lighter version, consider replacing half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, which will still provide creaminess without the richness of full cream. If you’re looking for a bit of greenery, toss in some spinach or broccoli just before serving – they will soften and help balance the richness of the sauce while adding nutritional value.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, diced
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything ready to make the cooking process smooth!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chicken Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing everything well. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken pasta!

Savor the incredible flavors of this dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce before adding the cream.

Storing and Reheating

This Chicken Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, simply transfer it to an airtight container, which helps maintain its creamy texture. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, preventing it from becoming too thick or congealed in the refrigerator.

Freezing this dish is another option, although the cream can sometimes make the texture a bit grainy after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, do so as soon as it cools down, and consume within one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even warming.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh, mixed green salad or garlic bread to soak up that amazing sauce. A simple vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. If you want to elevate the dish for a dinner party, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, which will add an appealing crunch and make the meal well-rounded.

For a touch of gourmet flair, finish with a sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper and some additional grated parmesan cheese on top, just before serving. A glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the rich flavors and elevates the dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute fettuccine with penne, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Certainly! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the pasta cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.