When comfort food calls, few dishes answer like Decadent Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Sauce. This recipe brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and silky cream sauce for a meal that feels luxurious yet approachable. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, it offers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Chicken Mushroom Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes).
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt the remaining butter.
- Add onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms.
- Sauté until mushrooms are browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return chicken to the pan, then add cooked pasta.
- Toss everything together until coated evenly in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette for a complete meal.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Pair with a glass of chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Total Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 590 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
Nutritional Notes:
- High in protein for muscle repair and satiety.
- Mushrooms add antioxidants and earthy flavor with minimal calories.
- Can be made lighter by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Tips for Success
- For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — it will absorb some sauce as it sits.
- Try substituting shrimp or turkey for chicken for variety.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
This Decadent Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Sauce combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s rich, comforting, and undeniably satisfying. With its creamy texture, savory balance, and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this pasta delivers pure indulgence — one creamy forkful at a time.