Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta – A Comfort Classic You’ll Crave Again and Again!
Before I get into the silky, savory wonder that is this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta, let me just say THANK YOU for being here. Whether you stumbled in hungry or arrived with a heart full of pasta dreams—you're in the right place. I’m so grateful to share this comforting recipe with you because it truly delivers cozy satisfaction in every forkful.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta
This is one of those “where-have-you-been-all-my-life?” kind of dinners. It's rich but not heavy, creamy yet balanced, and packed with garlicky, buttery goodness.
✨ Here's what makes it amazing:
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Ready in under 30 minutes.
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One pan = fewer dishes. Yes, please.
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Deliciously flexible with gluten-free or dairy-free swaps.
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Anything but boring!!
If you love cozy, creamy dishes that still feel light and elegant, this one checks all the boxes.
What It Tastes Like
Imagine tender slices of golden-seared chicken nestled into pasta swirled in a velvety parmesan cream sauce—each strand infused with savory mushrooms and the gentle warmth of garlic. The mushrooms add earthiness, the sauce coats every bite like a hug, and the chicken? Juicy perfection. It’s comfort food without the guilt trip.
Benefits of This Recipe
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High protein thanks to the chicken.
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Easy to customize with seasonal veggies.
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Kid-friendly and dinner-party-worthy.
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Perfect for meal prep—it reheats like a dream.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy magic happen:
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12 oz linguine or fettuccine
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2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup grated parmesan
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Pasta pot
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Tongs
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Knife and cutting board
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Grater (for that glorious parmesan)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Don’t be shy—this dish is super forgiving!
Add-ins:
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Spinach or kale
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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A splash of white wine for depth
Substitutions:
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Swap cream for half-and-half (just reduce the heat to prevent curdling)
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Use gluten-free pasta
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Sub chicken with tofu or shrimp
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta
Step-by-step:
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserve ½ cup pasta water.
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Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Set aside.
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Cook mushrooms: In the same pan, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, 6–8 minutes.
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Add garlic, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in cream, stir, and let simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Add parmesan and stir until smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
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Combine: Toss in cooked pasta and chicken. Mix to coat everything evenly.
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Serve with fresh parsley and extra cheese (always!).
What to Serve with It
This pasta can stand alone like a champ, but if you’re going full spread:
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Garlic bread or focaccia
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Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
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A crisp white wine (think Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
Tips for Perfect Pasta
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Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente is key so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
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Golden-brown chicken = flavor. Let it sear without moving it too much.
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Grate your own parmesan. Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
How to Store & Reheat
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream.
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Freezing: Not ideal due to the cream, but you can freeze it. Just know the texture might change.
General Info
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Serves: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
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Cuisine: Italian-inspired comfort food
FAQ
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk and a bit of flour to help thicken.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or baby bella are flavorful and meaty, but button mushrooms work too!
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken or sub in tofu or plant-based strips.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a warm, comforting hug, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is it. It's simple, stunning, and so satisfying. Whether you're cooking for one or a hungry crew, this dish brings joy to the table—and isn’t that what it’s all about?
📌 Loved it? Leave a review and tag me in your creations on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creamy pasta magic!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 550
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Protein: 36g
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Carbs: 45g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g