Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe that combines tender chicken strips, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine or penne. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later addition to the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until browned and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Create Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce gently until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh color and flavor boost, then serve the pasta warm immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Cremini mushrooms can be substituted with button mushrooms or portobello slices for varied flavor.
- This dish pairs nicely with a light green salad or garlic bread.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
