Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe that combines tender sautéed chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish makes a satisfying weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Mushrooms
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for garnish and seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and fragrant.
- Simmer Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is thickening, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with fresh thyme, additional salt, and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be thinner.
- You can use any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine if preferred.
- Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition if desired.
- To save time, you can cook the pasta while preparing the sauce to have everything ready simultaneously.
