Short description

This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta blends tender cubed chicken and sautéed mushrooms in a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with pasta for a rich, satisfying comfort dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s both easy and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A complete meal with protein, veggies, and pasta in one pan
Rich, velvety sauce elevated by garlic, Parmesan, and fresh thyme
Quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights
Easily adaptable for dietary preferences
Perfect for batch cooking or meal prep

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme for seasoning

directions

Season and cook chicken: Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add garlic and mushrooms; sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
Finish the sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
Season and serve: Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes southernliving.com+14theburntbuttertable.com+14foodsocial.io+14epicurious.com+1cravingsomethinghealthy.com+1self.comdontgobaconmyheart.co.ukfoodsocial.io+6platedcravings.com+6facebook.com+6facebook.com

Variations

Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Lightened version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute Greek yogurt similarly to lighten the dish.
Herb variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or tarragon to change the flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive the creaminess.
The dish can be assembled ahead (without the pasta) and refrigerated; add pasta just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other kinds of pasta?

Yes, linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well with this creamy sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely—cook the chicken and mushrooms, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat with cream and seasonings before tossing with fresh pasta.

What kind of mushrooms are best?

Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are ideal, but button, shiitake, or portobello are also delicious theburntbuttertable.com+1eatingwell.com+1.

Is white wine necessary in the sauce?

No, the base recipe uses only broth and cream. However, a splash of white wine adds complexity, as suggested in similar recipes cravingsomethinghealthy.com+8platedcravings.com+8cafedelites.com+8.

Can I substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt?

Yes—Greek yogurt or sour cream can lighten the sauce. Add off heat to prevent curdling.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer until reduced, or add a cornstarch slurry. A touch more Parmesan also helps.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—spinach, peas, or broccoli can be stirred in near the end for added flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep in a sealed container in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

Can I freeze it?

It’s not ideal for freezing; cream sauces may separate. Storing and reheating fresh yields the best texture.

How do I reheat without drying out pasta?

Rewarm gently with added liquid (broth or cream) and stir frequently.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is the quintessential comfort food: creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it’s a perfect choice for both cozy family dinners and make-ahead meals—delicious every time