Wicked Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta in Just 30

Okay, so weeknight dinners… am I right? They can be such a pain! But trust me, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is about to become your new best friend. Seriously, it’s my go-to when I need something quick, easy, *and* flavorful. The kids gobble it up, and honestly, so do I!

I first made this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta on a night when I was *really* not feeling like cooking. I threw some stuff together, and wow! It was a total hit. Now, it’s a regular on our dinner rotation. I just know you’re gonna love how simple it is to get a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. And the flavor? Forget about it! So good!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Quick and Easy Dinner

Seriously, you can whip this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta up faster than ordering takeout! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something yummy.

Incredibly Flavorful

Oh my goodness, the flavor! The creamy sauce, the savory mushrooms, the tender chicken… it’s a party in your mouth! You won’t believe how much flavor is packed into such a simple dish.

Comfort Food Classic

This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is like a big hug in a bowl. It’s a modern twist on classic comfort food that’ll have you feeling warm and cozy inside. What’s not to love?

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta Ingredients

Pasta

You’ll want 1 pound of your favorite pasta. I usually go for fettuccine, but penne or spaghetti work great too! Whatever you’ve got on hand, honestly.

Chicken

Grab 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and make sure they’re cubed. Chicken thighs are also yummy if you’re feeling it – they add a bit more richness!

Mushrooms

You’ll need 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Cremini are my go-to, but button mushrooms are perfect too. Anything works, really!

Cream and Cheese

Get ready for the good stuff! You’re gonna need 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan, it makes all the difference!

Aromatics and Herbs

For flavor, you’ll need 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Fresh parsley is a must, trust me!

Oil and Seasoning

Last but not least, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

First things first, get that pasta cooking! Just follow the directions on the package – you know the drill. I usually start this step first so it’s ready when the sauce is done. And hey, don’t forget to salt the water! It really makes a difference.

Cook the Chicken

While the pasta’s doing its thing, grab a big skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper (generously!), and cook it until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. We don’t want any pink in there, okay?

Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

Once the chicken’s cooked, add your sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook ’em until the mushrooms are nice and softened, and the garlic smells amazing – you’ll know! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Now for the best part! Stir in that 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the sauce has thickened up a bit. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. Mmm, creamy!

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your pasta (don’t forget to save a little pasta water, just in case!), and add it right to the skillet with the creamy chicken mushroom sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that deliciousness.

Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top and serve it up immediately. Seriously, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Enjoy every bite!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Okay, this is important! Nobody likes mushy pasta, right? Make sure you cook it al dente – that means it should still have a little bite to it. Trust me, it makes all the difference in this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta!

Use Fresh Ingredients

Seriously, fresh ingredients are key! Fresh parsley, fresh garlic, even fresh mushrooms… they just bring so much more flavor to the party. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!

Adjust the Sauce Thickness

Is your sauce too thick? Add a splash of pasta water or a little extra cream to thin it out. Too thin? Sprinkle in a bit more Parmesan cheese! You’re the boss of your Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta, so make it perfect for *you*!

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta Variations

Add Vegetables

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Spinach wilts in beautifully at the end. Asparagus is great too, just chop it up and toss it in with the mushrooms. And peas? So easy! Just throw in a handful of frozen peas when you add the cream. Boom, veggie power!

Spicy Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Feeling a little fiery? Me too sometimes! A pinch (or a generous sprinkle, if you’re like me) of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick to this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta. Just toss ’em in with the garlic and mushrooms. Careful, it’s easy to get carried away!

Wine Infused Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Ooh, this is a good one! For a richer, more complex flavor, add a splash of white wine when you’re making the sauce. After you sauté the mushrooms and garlic, pour in about 1/4 cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) and let it simmer for a minute or two before adding the cream. It’s like, *chef’s kiss*!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually *amazing* in this recipe. They’re a little richer and more flavorful than chicken breasts, so they add a really nice depth to the Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta. Just make sure you trim off any excess fat before you cube them up!

What kind of mushrooms are best for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta?

Honestly, whatever mushrooms you like! I usually use cremini mushrooms because they’re easy to find and have a great flavor, but button mushrooms work just as well. If you’re feeling fancy, try shiitake mushrooms – they’re so good! Just slice ’em up and toss ’em in!

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta ahead of time?

You *can*, but I really recommend serving it fresh if possible. The sauce tends to thicken up as it sits, and the pasta can get a little mushy. But hey, life happens, right? If you need to make it ahead, just reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce.

How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta?

Super easy! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Like I said, you might need to add a little liquid to the sauce to get it creamy again.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info is always a bit of an estimate, right? It really depends on the exact ingredients you use and your portion sizes. But, just to give you a rough idea, one serving of this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is around 550 calories. You’re looking at about 25 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 50 grams of carbs. Not bad for a super satisfying meal, huh?

Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta!

And that’s it! I really hope you give this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Thanks for cooking with me!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out RecipesQuik on Pinterest!

Print