Rich Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Velvety Cream Sauce
This Rich Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in a Velvety Cream Sauce is a decadent dish that combines tender chicken earthy mushrooms and a creamy, smooth sauce that will leave you craving more. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s also great for a special dinner. With a balance of savory creamy and a hint of garlic this pasta dish is incredibly satisfying. It can be made in under 30 minutes making it an ideal weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor!
Total Time: ~30-35 minutes
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
250g (9 oz) pasta (fettuccine penne or your favorite type)
200g (7 oz) mushrooms (sliced such as cremini or button mushrooms)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt pepper and thyme.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan let it rest for a few minutes and then slice it thinly.
Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain the rest.
Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same pan you used for the chicken olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown (about 5 minutes).
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream stirring continuously. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper adjusting to taste.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce tossing to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the sliced chicken on top and mix gently to incorporate.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot with extra seasoning if desired such as a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Tips:
Chicken Options: You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender juicy option.
Mushrooms: While cremini mushrooms work wonderfully feel free to mix in other varieties like shiitake or portobello for added depth of flavor.
Pasta Variations: Fettuccine or pappardelle are excellent choices for this creamy sauce but any pasta shape will do.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
For a Lighter Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option though the sauce may be a bit thinner.
The Rich Chicken and Mushroom Pasta in Velvety Sauce is a comforting indulgent dish that combines tender chicken earthy mushrooms and a creamy velvety sauce to create a luxurious pasta experience. The combination of rich flavors from the sautéed mushrooms and garlic the subtle hints of white wine or broth and the smoothness of cream creates a sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Topped with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s satisfying flavorful and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Estimated Nutritional Information per Serving (approximate):
Calories: 550-650 kcal
Protein: 40-45 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
Fat: 25-35 grams
Saturated Fat: 12-18 grams
Fiber: 2-4 grams
Sugars: 2-4 grams
Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
Sodium: 600-800 mg
This dish is an indulgent treat that’s both comforting and rich in flavor perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress guests. Enjoy!