One-Pot

Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta

Name: Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake); 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb (450g) pasta (linguine or fettuccine); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

By Marcus Vanover · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta — Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Pasta

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of pasta to bring people together. As an Italian-American home cook, I've always been passionate about creating delicious, comforting meals that evoke a sense of love and togetherness. One of my favorite dishes to make for my family is Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta, a classic Italian-American recipe that never fails to impress.

This recipe is special to me because it reminds me of my grandmother's cooking. She would often make me a similar dish when I was a child, and the smell of sautéed mushrooms and onions would fill the entire house, making my stomach growl with anticipation. To this day, the aroma of this dish brings back fond memories of my childhood and the love that my grandmother put into every meal she prepared.

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It's a dish that's both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy meal or a foodie looking to impress your friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a delicious Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta dish that's sure to become a family favorite. From the initial preparation to the final presentation, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfect every time.

So, let's get started and create a delicious, comforting meal that will bring your family and friends together. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The dish is comforting and satisfying, making it ideal for a cold winter's night or a special occasion.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
The dish is perfect for a family dinner or a dinner party, as it serves 4-6 people and can be easily doubled or tripled.
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.
The dish is also make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta is in the balance of flavors and textures. By using a combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, we create a rich, savory flavor profile that's balanced by the creaminess of the sauce. The chicken adds protein and texture, while the pasta provides a comforting base for the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the pasta al dente and then finishing it in the sauce, we create a creamy, cohesive dish that's both satisfying and delicious. The sauce is also important, as it brings all the flavors together and adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish.

Finally, the use of high-quality ingredients is essential to the success of this recipe. By using fresh mushrooms, real cream, and Parmesan cheese, we create a dish that's not only delicious but also authentic and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are the chicken, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and cream, which all come together to create a rich, savory flavor profile. You'll also need some pasta, Parmesan cheese, and some basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and olive oil.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that will add depth and flavor to your dish. Look for fresh mushrooms, real cream, and Parmesan cheese, and don't be afraid to spend a little extra money on these ingredients. The end result will be well worth it, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious, satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breastsChoose high-quality chicken breasts that are fresh and have a good texture. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)Use a variety of mushrooms to add depth and complexity to your dish. You can also use just one type of mushroom if you prefer, but the mixed variety will give you a more interesting flavor profile.
1 large onion, slicedChoose a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor. You can also use a yellow or white onion if you prefer, but the sweet onion will add a richer, deeper flavor to your dish.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use jarred garlic if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the amount according to the package instructions.
1 cup heavy creamChoose high-quality heavy cream that's fresh and has a good texture. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer, but the heavy cream will give you a richer, creamier sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse high-quality Parmesan cheese that's fresh and has a good texture. You can also use other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino if you prefer, but the Parmesan will give you a more authentic flavor.
1 lb (450g) pasta (linguine or fettuccine)Choose a high-quality pasta that's made from durum wheat semolina. You can also use other types of pasta if you prefer, but the linguine or fettuccine will give you a more authentic Italian flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilUse high-quality olive oil that's fresh and has a good texture. You can also use other oils like avocado or grapeseed if you prefer, but the olive oil will give you a more authentic Italian flavor.
1 tsp dried thymeUse fresh or dried thyme to add a savory flavor to your dish. You can also use other herbs like basil or oregano if you prefer, but the thyme will give you a more traditional Italian flavor.
1/2 tsp saltUse high-quality salt that's fresh and has a good texture. You can also use other types of salt if you prefer, but the kosher salt will give you a more authentic flavor.
1/4 tsp black pepperUse high-quality pepper that's fresh and has a good texture. You can also use other types of pepper if you prefer, but the black pepper will give you a more authentic flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panLarge pot for boiling pastaColander or strainerInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaGrater or food processor for grating cheese

How to Make Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's browned on both sides and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
3
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4
Add the mixed mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they're tender and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and stir to combine.
5
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by about half.
6
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to combine with the mushroom and cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
8
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and add it to the skillet, tossing it to combine with the pasta and sauce.
9
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
10
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
11
Serve the Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a little after it's drained. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should still have a little bite to it.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Use a variety of mushrooms to add depth and complexity to your dish. You can also use just one type of mushroom if you prefer, but the mixed variety will give you a more interesting flavor profile.
Don't be afraid to add a little of the reserved pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick. This will help to thin it out and create a smooth, creamy texture.
Experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to find the combination that you like best. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked vegetables or meat, to make the dish more substantial.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which will make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which will affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which will prevent the flavors from melding together and the sauce from thickening.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which will make it difficult to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Not seasoning the dish with salt and pepper to taste, which will affect the flavor and overall enjoyment of the dish.
Not using a variety of mushrooms, which will limit the depth and complexity of the flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to make the dish more substantial and nutritious.
Use different types of cheese, such as Asiago or Pecorino, to create a unique and interesting flavor profile.
Add some cooked meat, such as bacon or sausage, to make the dish more hearty and satisfying.
Experiment with different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, to find the shape and texture that you like best.
Use a variety of herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Add a little bit of spice, such as red pepper flakes, to give the dish a kick and make it more interesting.

What to Serve With Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta

Serve the Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a more substantial meal.

Some other options for serving the dish include:

Garlic bread: a classic Italian staple that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and savory flavors of the dish.

Green salad: a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and satisfying pasta.

Roasted vegetables: roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the dish.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or shrimpSauteed spinach or kaleRoasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Chicken And Mushroom Cream Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it or heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy. You can also add a little bit of pasta water or cream to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Some tips for storing and reheating the dish include:

Letting it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, which will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the dish fresh.

Using airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent the dish from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.

Reheating the dish slowly and gently, stirring occasionally, to prevent it from becoming too hot or developing an unpleasant texture.

Adding a little bit of pasta water or cream to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, which will help to maintain the creamy texture and flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Linguine or fettuccine work well for this recipe, as they have a long, flat shape that pairs well with the creamy sauce and savory flavors of the dish.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Asiago or Pecorino, to create a unique and interesting flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the dish may be affected by the type of cheese you use.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

You can prevent the sauce from becoming too thick by adding a little bit of pasta water or cream to thin it out. You can also stir the sauce occasionally as it's cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and becoming too thick.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat it slowly and gently, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include adding cooked vegetables, using different types of cheese, or adding cooked meat. You can also experiment with different types of pasta and herbs to find the combination that you like best.

How do I reheat the dish?

Can I freeze the dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Reheat it slowly and gently, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

What are some tips for storing the dish?

Some tips for storing the dish include letting it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, using airtight containers or freezer bags, and reheating it slowly and gently, stirring occasionally.

How long can I store the dish in the refrigerator?

You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat it slowly and gently, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card