Description
Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with earthy mushrooms in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Sliced mushrooms are sautéed until golden and then paired with juicy pieces of chicken breast, creating a savory base. A creamy sauce made with garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese ties everything together, adding depth and richness to the dish. Served over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, this comforting meal is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying and wholesome dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the mushrooms and creamy sauce.
- 8 oz pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Common choices include spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or fusilli. Pasta shapes with grooves are great for holding onto the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and mushrooms, adding flavor and healthy fats.
- 1 onion: A medium onion, finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, gives the sauce a savory, aromatic kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms are popular choices for this dish. Their earthy flavor complements the chicken and sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it indulgent and comforting.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce while keeping it from becoming too thick.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce and gives the dish an extra touch of decadence.
- Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness as a garnish for the finished dish.
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup white wine: Adding a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the chicken and mushrooms deglazes the pan and adds a layer of complexity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary: A sprinkle of dried herbs can elevate the dish with additional flavor.
- 1/2 cup spinach: Fresh spinach can be added toward the end of cooking for an extra burst of greens.
- Lemon zest or juice: A little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish and balance the richness of the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
- Toss the Pasta: If you like, you can toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown. The mushrooms should shrink and develop a savory flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet at this point, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any remaining bits of food. Let the broth simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water or extra chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce and create a rich, creamy texture. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the Chicken and Pasta: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce. If the sauce needs more liquid, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. You can also add more grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken and Mushroom Pasta hot, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g