Rich and Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Rich and Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta. Tender strips of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce come together to create a meal that feels both indulgent and homely. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness, thanks to the combination of creamy sauce and a touch of garlic and herbs. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every bite. I tried this recipe using oat milk once instead of heavy cream, and it turned out surprisingly smooth and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or serving guests, this pasta is sure to become a favorite — hearty, elegant, and ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy, savory comfort food, this recipe delivers it in spades. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, while the mushrooms give depth and umami. The cream sauce ties it all together with a velvety texture that coats every strand of pasta. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve at dinner parties.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. They cook quickly and stay tender when simmered in the creamy sauce.

Mushrooms
Cremini or button mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly. Slice them evenly for even cooking.

Pasta
Fettuccine or penne works beautifully here. Their shape holds the sauce well, ensuring every bite is coated in rich flavor.

Heavy Cream
The foundation of the sauce. It provides a luscious, velvety texture and richness that makes the dish truly indulgent.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds a savory base and enhances the overall depth of flavor.

Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan thickens the sauce naturally while adding nutty, salty notes that elevate the creaminess.

Butter and Olive Oil
A combination of both ensures balanced flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken and mushrooms.

Onion
Finely diced onion adds sweetness and depth, blending seamlessly into the sauce.

Chicken Broth
A small amount of broth lightens the sauce and enhances the savory notes, keeping it from being overly heavy.

Fresh Parsley
Used as garnish, parsley adds a pop of freshness and color that brightens the dish beautifully.

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken pieces until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a bit more butter and sauté the onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they’re browned and any liquid has evaporated. This step is key for developing rich, savory flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer briefly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, then add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and thickened.
7. Return the chicken to the pan, toss with the sauce, and add the cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
8. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid reheating at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Customizations

Lighter Version
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter yet still creamy sauce.

Mushroom Variety
Try a mix of shiitake, oyster, or porcini mushrooms for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Add Spinach
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for color, texture, and added nutrition.

Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for subtle heat that balances the creaminess.

White Wine Twist
Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine before adding the broth for extra flavor depth.

Bacon Addition
Crispy bacon pieces add a smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor, though they may require a few extra minutes to cook.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it just before serving. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Simmer the cream on low heat and avoid boiling it once added to the pan.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan to thicken it naturally.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A side salad or garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment.

Can I freeze it?

Cream sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Add a splash of white wine or a dash of nutmeg for subtle, elevated notes.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes blend beautifully with the sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, its mild and creamy flavor makes it a hit with both adults and children.

Conclusion

This Rich and Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and a luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, it’s pure satisfaction in a bowl. It’s simple, versatile, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Once you try it, it’ll easily become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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