Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Pasta: The 35-Minute Comfort Meal You’ll Crave

By Jason Griffith

When the craving hits for something truly cozy, rich, and deeply satisfying, nothing beats a classic pasta dish. But let’s be honest—sometimes, those traditional recipes can feel like an all-day affair. That’s where this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Pasta comes in. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor and texture in less than 40 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner hero.

Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and savory, golden-brown mushrooms swimming in a decadent garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed together with your favorite pasta. It’s the kind of meal that silences the dinner table—in the best possible way. This recipe is a simple, straightforward path to absolute comfort food bliss.

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Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of dishes that feel sophisticated but are deceptively easy to pull off. This creamy pasta checks every box.

• Speed: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 minutes. The chicken and sauce cook in the time it takes the pasta to boil.
• Flavor Depth: The mushrooms are sautéed in the same pan as the chicken, picking up all those browned bits of flavor (the fonds!) that make the sauce taste incredible.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to discerning foodies loves a good creamy pasta. It’s comforting, hearty, and always a hit. If you love big flavors like this, you might also enjoy my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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🍽️ Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Pasta

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Category	Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
For the Chicken	Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	2 large	Cut into thin cutlets or bite-sized pieces
	Salt	1/2 tsp
	Black Pepper	1/2 tsp
	Garlic Powder	1/2 tsp
	Paprika	1/2 tsp
	Olive Oil	1 tbsp (15ml)
	Butter	1 tbsp (14g)
For the Sauce	Butter	2 tbsp (28g)
	Mushrooms	8 oz (225g)	Sliced; cremini or white button work best
	Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
	Heavy Cream	1 cup (240ml)	Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce
	Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup (50g)	Freshly grated is always better!
	Chicken Broth	1/2 cup (120ml)	Helps thin and flavor the sauce
	Salt	1/2 tsp	Adjust to taste
	Black Pepper	1/2 tsp	Adjust to taste
	Italian Seasoning	1/2 tsp
	Red Pepper Flakes	1/4 tsp	Optional, for a touch of heat
	Fresh Parsley	1 tbsp (5g)	Chopped, for garnish
For the Pasta	Fettuccine or Penne	8 oz (225g)
	Salt		For boiling water

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Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: If you don’t have breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor. Just be sure to slice them thin.
• Cream: For a slightly healthier version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, but note that the sauce will be thinner.
• Mushrooms: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Getting the mushrooms golden is key to extracting their deep, earthy flavor.
• Herbs: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a pinch of dried oregano and basil will work. Fresh thyme also adds a lovely layer of flavor.

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📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water (you might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency). Set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet (a 12-inch skillet works best) over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until it is golden brown on the outside and cooked completely through (internal temperature of 165∘F or 74∘C).
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until they release their moisture, turn soft, and become a lovely golden color.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy garlic mushroom sauce.
3. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes to heat everything through. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately!

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🌟 Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure it’s in a single layer. If you have too many pieces, cook them in batches to ensure they brown nicely, which is essential for flavor.
• Fresh Garlic and Cheese are Key: While garlic powder and pre-shredded cheese are convenient, the flavor payoff from using freshly minced garlic and grating your own block of Parmesan is immense in a simple sauce like this.
• Deglaze the Pan: After removing the chicken, the little brown bits left in the pan are gold. When you add the cream and broth, make sure to scrape those bits up with a wooden spoon—that’s where the deep flavor comes from!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich and creamy pasta dish pairs beautifully with sides that offer a contrasting texture and acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.

• Green Salad: A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette, like a lemon or balsamic dressing, is perfect. It offers a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy pasta. If you’re looking for a chicken salad that skips the mayo, check out my recipe for A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and there’s no mayo in sight).
• Bread: You absolutely must serve this with a good slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp, unoaked white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc offers the acidity needed. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is excellent.

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📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)

• Calories: 750–850 kcal
• Protein: 45–55g
• Fat: 45–55g
• Carbohydrates: 45–55g

Note: This is an estimated value and can vary based on the specific brand of ingredients and exact portion sizes used.

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🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed immediately. However, leftovers can be stored.

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Cream-based sauces often break or separate when reheated aggressively. The best way to warm this up is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth and stirring constantly until heated through. This will help reconstitute the sauce and keep it creamy.

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🧡 More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cozy, savory flavors of this dish, you might be looking for more comfort food classics to add to your rotation. These recipes are sure to satisfy that craving:

• For Classic Pasta Night: Try my timeless recipe for Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• For Mexican Comfort: These Chicken Enchiladas are my go-to for cozy crowd-pleasing dinners.
• For Southern Soul Food: Nothing beats a big bowl of warmth like This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my favorite bowl of Southern comfort.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Pasta is one of those perfect recipes: big on flavor, minimal on effort. It’s my absolute favorite way to turn simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a special occasion. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you add extra red pepper flakes? What kind of pasta did you use? Leave a comment below and share your experience. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Chef Maniac newsletter for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes delivered right to your inbox!