Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

As you twirl your fork around the tender noodles, the creamy sauce and savory flavors of chicken and mushroom will transport you to a world of comfort and delight. Get ready to indulge in a dish that will become your new favorite.

Prep and Cook Time

To make this recipe, you will need about 20 minutes of preparation time and 25 minutes of cooking time, totaling 45 minutes.

Yield

This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a small gathering or a family dinner.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of this recipe is moderate, requiring some basic cooking skills and attention to detail.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (120g) mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
• 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil
• 1 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the broth to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Chef’s Notes or Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with roasted eggplant or zucchini, and for a lighter sauce, use less heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially the mushrooms, for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta or the chicken.
• If using parsley, chop it just before serving to preserve its freshness and color.

Storage & Reheating

This pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, adding a bit more cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	540
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	37g
Fat	26g
Sugar	4g

FAQ

1. What type of pasta is best for this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe?

You can use a variety of pasta shapes, but shorter shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best as they hold the sauce well.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

3. How can I reduce the calorie count of this dish?

You can reduce the amount of heavy cream used or substitute it with a lower-calorie alternative.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

With a simple substitution of the chicken with a vegetarian alternative, this dish can easily be adapted.

Conclusion

With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms, this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your household. So why not give it a try tonight and enjoy the comfort and delight it brings to your table?