Heavenly Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Silky Cream Sauce – A Restaurant-Style Dish You Can Make at Home
If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, this Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Cream Sauce will hit all the right notes. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. With tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce coating every bite of pasta, this recipe brings gourmet flavor to your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes
- Comforting and creamy – Silky sauce with just the right thickness
- Perfect balance – Juicy chicken, tender mushrooms, and flavorful pasta
- Versatile – Add veggies, herbs, or even a spicy kick
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving about ½ cup of the cooking water.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
4. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg for depth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine Everything
Add the chicken back to the skillet. Then toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the sauce—cream can split if boiled too hard.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with garlic bread and a crisp green salad. A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay) pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. With simple ingredients and a restaurant-style result, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish delivers every time.