If you are craving a dish that seamlessly blends tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and cheesy goodness all coated in a luscious creamy sauce, then this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It offers the perfect balance of comfort food with an elegant twist, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta recipe brings warmth and indulgence to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly stand out. From the savory chicken and mushrooms to the creamy Parmesan sauce, these simple ingredients come together brilliantly to create mouthwatering magic.
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Cooked al dente so it holds up perfectly under the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- 8 ounces Fresh Mushrooms: Cleaned and sliced, mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- 1 medium Onion: Diced to provide a sweet and aromatic base for the sauce.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced for a punch of fragrant savory flavor that complements the chicken and mushrooms.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The secret to a rich, dreamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, salty, and nutty notes that melt perfectly into the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it brings in subtle fruity undertones and helps caramelize the veggies and chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the savory profile of the dish with a touch of Mediterranean warmth.
- Salt: To taste, essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Pepper: To taste, adding a gentle kick that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Gather Ingredients
Start by making sure all ingredients are prepped and ready to roll. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything on hand makes cooking smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining—that golden liquid will come in handy for adjusting your sauce’s creaminess.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Heat your olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until it shimmers. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and sweet, laying the foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Mushrooms
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Then toss in the sliced mushrooms, letting them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and their earthy aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Push the mushrooms to one side of the skillet and add your chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine the cream with the flavorful chicken and mushrooms. Then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating that signature rich texture in this dish.
Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency and Season
If your sauce feels a little too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your perfect creaminess. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to your skillet and toss everything together to coat each piece evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to marry all the flavors perfectly before serving your Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette slices are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce-coated pasta and chicken pieces. For a cozy touch, place a small sprig of rosemary on the side or a lemon wedge to brighten the dish with an optional squeeze of zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick weekday meals or lunch the next day.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to one month. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce appears too thick. This helps revive the creamy texture and keeps the chicken tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in cremini, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that different mushrooms may vary in cooking time and flavor intensity.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or use plant-based protein substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks through properly.
What type of pasta works best in this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Penne and fettuccine work wonderfully because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand, such as rigatoni or farfalle.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, prepping this dish ahead is a great idea. Store components separately if possible—cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce—to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming soggy.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?
Keeping the reserved pasta water is key. Add it gradually to thin out the sauce if needed. If the sauce thins out too much, continue simmering gently to reduce and thicken it.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is like giving yourself a big, delicious hug at the end of the day. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare but impressive in taste, perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the comforting blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms that keeps people coming back for seconds and thirds.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish combining tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it brings together simple ingredients with classic Italian flavors using easy stovetop cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine), cooked al dente
Vegetables
- 8 ounces Fresh Mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, making sure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, mushrooms sliced, onion diced, and garlic minced.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and release their moisture.
- Cook Chicken: Push the mushrooms to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken pieces to the empty side, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the chicken and mushrooms.
- Melt Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely and forms a smooth sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve your creamy mushroom chicken Parmesan pasta immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use penne or fettuccine pasta for ideal texture and sauce absorption.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Can garnish with fresh parsley or basil for extra freshness.
