Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is one of those comfort food dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, with its rich, velvety sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms. The combination of flavors is just heavenly! The creamy garlic sauce is balanced with a hint of Parmesan, making each bite satisfying without being overwhelming. My family loved it from the first bite, and it’s now a regular in our weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this recipe will hit the spot.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
3. Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This will help to deglaze the pan and bring up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: After the broth has simmered, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally, and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Once the sauce is slightly thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.
7. Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce.
8. Season and Serve: Season the dish with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom pasta hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with Extra Parmesan: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
• Pair with a Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to help soak up the delicious sauce.
• Top with Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Fresh Herbs: Besides thyme, try adding chopped parsley or basil for a fresh burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme works fine, fresh thyme will give the dish a more vibrant flavor. Fresh parsley is also a great addition for color and freshness.
2. Swap the Chicken: You can substitute chicken with other proteins like turkey or even shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein used.
3. Mushroom Options: While white button mushrooms are used in this recipe, you can experiment with other varieties such as cremini or portobello for a deeper, earthier flavor.
4. Make It Lighter: To lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream. You could also use half the amount of cheese for a less rich flavor.
5. Creamy Sauce Variations: For an even richer sauce, try adding a tablespoon of butter along with the garlic. This will give the sauce an extra silky texture.

Recipe Variations

• Garlic and Herb Chicken & Mushroom Pasta: Add extra herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to the sauce for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with more mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta: Add a chopped chili pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed garlic and mushrooms for a spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a substitute for regular pasta to make this dish low-carb or gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: A light salad with arugula, mixed greens, and balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli would pair well with the creamy pasta.
• Soup Starter: Serve this pasta alongside a light soup like a tomato basil soup or a simple vegetable broth-based soup.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne. Just be sure to cook it al dente before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to add the pasta just before serving to keep it from becoming soggy.
3. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
   Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty and nutty flavor, but you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different twist.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy option like coconut cream or cashew cream.
5. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
   Use non-dairy cream, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
   If you want a thicker sauce, simply simmer it a little longer or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
   Absolutely! You can add spinach, peas, or even artichokes to this dish to make it more colorful and nutritious.
8. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat the pasta on low heat, adding a bit of cream or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
9. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s best to thaw frozen chicken first, but you can cook it from frozen by adding extra time to the cooking process.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking times as needed, especially for the chicken and the pasta.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare but feels indulgent. Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it with variations, this dish is sure to impress at your dinner table. Serve it with a side of salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, and enjoy the creamy goodness in every bite!

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