This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish featuring tender chicken and earthy mushrooms enveloped in a creamy garlic‑Parmesan sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet comes together easily for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how cozy and flavorful this dish is—rich, silky sauce, juicy chicken, and meaty mushrooms make every bite feel restaurant-worthy. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy evening but feels special enough for weekend dinners or when I want something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dried pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced
Onion or shallot, finely chopped (optional)
Sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or white button)
Chicken broth or stock
Heavy cream or half‑and‑half
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or dried thyme (optional)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan

Directions

I cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
I season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if I’m using it.
I heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat, then add the chicken and cook until golden and just done (about 4–6 minutes). I remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, I melt a bit more butter and sauté onion or shallot (if using) until soft, then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
I add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown (about 5 minutes).
I pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits.
I stir in cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly—about 2–3 minutes.
I whisk in Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning.
I return the chicken (and any collected juices) to the pan, then toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, I add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
I garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: ~10 minutes (cutting chicken and prepping mushrooms and garlic)
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Spicy twist: I add red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat.
Green veggie boost: I stir in fresh spinach or peas toward the end of cooking.
Cheesy upgrade: I add a sprinkle of mozzarella or fontina alongside the Parmesan for extra meltiness.
Lighter version: I use half‑and‑half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium‑low heat, adding a splash of broth, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just add a little liquid before heating to keep it creamy.

FAQs

What pasta shape works best?

I prefer fettuccine or penne because they hold the creamy sauce well, but any shape works beautifully.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs stay juicier and more forgiving, but breasts are lean and cook faster—both work great.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely—I find ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or thyme gives great flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley are best used at the end.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

I keep the heat gentle once the cream goes in and avoid rapid boiling. If needed, I temper with a bit of pasta water before tossing everything together.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing the creamy pasta—it can separate. Instead, I freeze cooked chicken separately and make a fresh sauce when I want to enjoy it again.

Conclusion

I adore this Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta for its rich flavors, easy prep, and comforting texture. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for cozy dinners when I want something delicious without a ton of effort.