Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich sauce that melds cream, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs into every bite. The luscious texture of the sauce perfectly coats al dente pasta, making this recipe a truly comforting yet sophisticated meal that’s surprisingly simple to whip up any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward but essential ingredients is the secret to the success of this dish. Each component plays its part: the mushrooms add an earthy depth, the herbs bring aromatic warmth, and the chicken provides satisfying protein that makes this meal both hearty and wholesome.

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Ensures tender, juicy protein that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and savory foundation for the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced: Contributes earthiness and texture that balances the creaminess.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds acidity and depth, enhancing the sauce’s flavor complexity.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety body of the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and infuses it with savory notes.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal aroma that brightens the dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a Mediterranean touch and balanced earthiness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works best): The perfect vehicle to carry the creamy sauce and chicken.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant contrast and beautiful color.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your chosen pasta according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it comes in handy later for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to let it rest.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic to the remaining oil and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step is where the flavors start building their magic!

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften and develop a lovely golden-brown color, which adds both texture and deep earthy richness to the dish.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

If you’re using the white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes. This will lift all the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet, infusing the sauce with even more depth and a touch of acidity.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, thyme, and oregano. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly over about 5 minutes. This step makes the sauce irresistibly velvety and flavorful.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy mushroom sauce so every piece gets coated. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring the flavor is perfectly balanced.

Step 8: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are generously coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water will loosen it up, giving it just the right texture.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Dish out the pasta into warm bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. This final flourish adds freshness and a dash of color that makes the dish even more inviting.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise, cutting through the richness with a note of freshness. A sprinkle of more Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that takes the Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair this luscious pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess, or some garlic butter roasted vegetables for added heartiness. A warm, crusty bread on the side is perfect for saucy mopping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of elegance at a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or oregano. Drizzling a little truffle oil over the dish gives a luxurious twist that elevates the familiar flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for even more satisfying leftovers.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to separate the pasta from the sauce and chicken to maintain texture. Freeze the components individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms are classic choices, shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms also work wonderfully and add unique flavor nuances to the Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe.

Is the white wine necessary for the sauce?

White wine adds a lovely depth and slight acidity, but it’s entirely optional. If you prefer, you can skip it and simply increase the chicken broth slightly—your sauce will still be deliciously creamy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! Penne and fettuccine are great because their shapes hold onto the sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you love, from linguine to rigatoni. The dish remains just as tasty!

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To enjoy a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. This will give you a similar creamy texture without dairy.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a small slurry made from cornstarch and cold water to gently thicken it without changing the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little rustic Italian comfort into your kitchen with minimal fuss. It’s rich, full of flavor, and sure to become one of your go-to dishes for both casual weeknights and special gatherings. So grab your skillet and pasta pot—you’re in for a truly satisfying treat that everyone will keep asking for again and again.

Print