Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken and mushroom pasta dish that combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with sautéed mushrooms in a luscious Parmesan and heavy cream sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan, rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and golden, releasing their flavors.
- Deglaze with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to infuse the sauce with extra flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Parmesan cheese adds salty depth but can be omitted or replaced with a vegan alternative for dietary preferences.
- Cooking times for chicken may vary depending on thickness; ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Fresh parsley adds bright flavor and color but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
