Mediterranean Rich Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Velvety Cream Sauce
This Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs in a lusciously creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Rich yet balanced with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this comforting recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
2 tbsp butter
For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:
2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Sauté the chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the mushroom base:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Create the cream sauce:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Combine everything:
Return chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
Serve:
Garnish with more Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips
Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
Sear the chicken just until golden and cooked through to keep it juicy. Overcooking can make it dry.
Deglaze for Flavor:
After cooking the chicken and mushrooms, scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — they add tons of savory flavor to the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water:
Always save some pasta cooking water. Its starch helps thin and bind the sauce beautifully if needed.
Use Room-Temp Cream:
Bring your cream to room temperature before adding to the pan to prevent curdling.
Grate Your Own Cheese:
Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
Variations
Protein Swap:
Try shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
Add Veggies:
Toss in spinach, zucchini, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition and color.
Make It Lighter:
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt (add off heat to prevent curdling) for a lighter version.
Go Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free pasta without compromising the flavor. Chickpea or lentil pasta works great too.
Add Wine:
A splash (about ¼ cup) of dry white wine added after sautéing garlic adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Spice It Up:
Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of harissa paste for a Mediterranean heat kick.
Herb Upgrade:
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chopped basil can be stirred in for a more aromatic finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook and store the pasta and sauce separately. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: What kind of mushrooms work best?
A: Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer a deep, earthy flavor, but white button mushrooms work just as well.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It’s not ideal for freezing because cream sauces can separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or store refrigerated up to 3 days.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Yes. Use unsweetened oat or almond milk with a touch of nutritional yeast and dairy-free butter/cheese to mimic the creamy texture and flavor.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are great options. You can also try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 590
Protein: 38g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Rich Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Velvety Cream Sauce is more than just a comfort dish—it’s an elegant balance of indulgence and Mediterranean freshness. With its creamy texture, vibrant herbs, savory chicken, and umami-rich mushrooms, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish checks all the boxes: rich, hearty, and irresistibly delicious.