There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy pasta on a chilly night—or any night, really. This Decadent Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is loaded with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, sautéed onions and garlic, and finished in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Toss it all with pasta, and you’ve got yourself a soul-satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite bistro.
Best of all? It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This pasta is one of those “wow” meals with very little effort. The sauce is rich and comforting thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan, but it’s balanced by the earthiness of mushrooms and the brightness of white wine (totally optional but totally worth it). It’s a one-skillet wonder that always feels like a special treat—even on a Tuesday.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Pasta Choices: Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle all work great.
- Cream Substitution: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce it slightly longer for thickness.
- No Wine? Sub with extra broth or water and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Add-Ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas make great additions.
How to Make Decadent Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti or penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Cook the Mushrooms
Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until tender and browned.
5. Deglaze with Wine (Optional)
Pour in white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
6. Make the Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce. Warm through for another minute or two.
8. Garnish and Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley.
Tips for Success
- Cook pasta al dente so it holds its texture when tossed in the sauce.
- Deglaze with wine or broth to bring out the rich, savory flavors in the pan.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This rich pasta stands strong on its own, but here’s how to round out the meal:
- Start with a light appetizer like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a cheesy starter.
- Pair with a crisp salad or roasted veggies for balance.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Round out a comfort-food feast with Instant Pot Lasagna or Dorito Casserole.
- Make it a soul-soothing dinner with Easy Turkey Wings or Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo on the side.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Freezer: Cream sauces can separate after freezing, so this dish is best fresh or refrigerated.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this rich and creamy pasta, here are more comforting meals you’ll crave again:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Dorito Casserole
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. With layers of savory flavor and that silky sauce everyone loves, it’s the perfect recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation or impress guests with a homemade meal that feels fancy.
If you try it, leave a comment below and tag @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your pasta creations! Follow us for more easy, flavorful meals the whole family will love.
Leave a Reply