Chicken Mushroom Pasta

This Chicken Mushroom Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and pasta come together in a creamy garlic sauce for a simple yet flavorful meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Recipe Tools You Use:

1. Garlic Press
2. Wire whisk
3. a big pot
4. Sharp knife
5. bowl
6. skillet
7. kitchen tongs

Chicken Mushroom Pasta Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
2. 2 chicken breasts, diced or sliced thinly
3. 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or baby bella work great)
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 small onion, finely chopped
6. 1 cup heavy cream
7. 1/2 cup chicken broth
8. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
9. 2 tablespoons olive oil
10. 1 tablespoon butter
11. Salt and pepper, to taste
12. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
13. Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the pasta and cook it following the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat as the pasta is cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add the onions and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook them until they release their moisture and start to brown, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Then, mix in the garlic and continue cooking for another minute until it becomes aromatic.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Add the chicken broth and mix well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and incorporate the heavy cream. Mix it well and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken a bit. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix it in until it melts, creating a smooth sauce. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Mix everything well until the pasta is evenly covered in the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears to be too thick, simply mix in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to achieve a thinner consistency.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to sprinkle in extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan to suit your taste.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. You can add some extra Parmesan on top if you’d like.

Tips:

• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap it for a splash of milk and a little extra broth.
• Add Some Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or arugula at the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Try Different Mushrooms: You can mix up the mushrooms—shiitake or portobello would add even more flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy some spice, go ahead and sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

This Chicken Mushroom Pasta is creamy, savory, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s perfect for when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Chicken Mushroom Pasta Health Benefits:

1. High in Protein: The chicken serves as a great source of lean protein, crucial for supporting muscle growth and recovery.
2. Rich in Vitamins: Mushrooms offer vitamins B and D, important for energy metabolism and bone health.
3. Boosts Immune System: Garlic and mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties.
4. Bone Health: Parmesan cheese serves as an excellent source of calcium, contributing to the maintenance of robust bones and teeth.
5. Heart Health: Olive oil is a source of healthy fats, which may support heart health.
6. Supports Digestion: The fiber from mushrooms and pasta aids in digestive health.
7. Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic and onions contain antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
8. Improves Energy Levels: B vitamins found in chicken and mushrooms contribute to the enhancement of energy production.
9. Promotes Satiety: The protein and fat content help keep you full and satisfied longer.
10. Healthy Fats: Olive oil and chicken provide healthy fats necessary for brain function.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: To maintain the quality of the pasta salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than three days.
• Freezer: This dish is not recommended for freezing as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

Reheat and Reuse Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a small quantity of broth, cream, or water to dilute the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.
• Reuse Ideas: Turn leftovers into a baked pasta dish by adding breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top, then bake at 350°F (180°C) until golden and bubbly.

Substitute for heavy cream?

Here are some great substitutes for heavy cream in your Chicken Mushroom Pasta recipe:

1. Half-and-Half

• Best for: Keeping a creamy texture with fewer calories and fat.
• How to use: Replace in a 1:1 ratio with heavy cream.
• Tip: For a thicker consistency, you can add 1 tablespoon of butter for every cup of half-and-half.

2. Whole Milk and Butter

• Best for: Mimicking the richness of heavy cream without the extra calories.
• How to use: Mix 3/4 cup of whole milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter to substitute 1 cup of heavy cream.
• Tip: Great for creaminess, but the sauce will be lighter.

3. Greek Yogurt

• Best for: Adding protein and a tangy flavor, ideal if you’re looking for a healthier option.
• How to use: Use equal parts Greek yogurt and milk to thin it out to the desired consistency.
• Tip: Works well for creaminess but may slightly alter the taste.

4. Coconut Milk or Cream

• Best for: A dairy-free and vegan option, with a slight coconut flavor.
• How to use: Use full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream in a 1:1 ratio.
• Tip: Adds a subtle sweetness, so it’s best if you don’t mind a hint of coconut in your dish.

5. Cashew Cream

• Best for: A rich, plant-based cream substitute that’s neutral in flavor.
• How to use: Soak 1 cup of cashews in water for 4-6 hours, then blend with 3/4 cup water until smooth.
• Tip: Works perfectly for creamy dishes and is naturally dairy-free.

6. Cream Cheese

• Best for: Adding extra richness and tang.
• How to use: Mix 1/2 cup of cream cheese with 1/2 cup milk to create a creamy consistency similar to heavy cream.
• Tip: This will result in a thicker sauce, great for indulgent pasta dishes.

7. Silken Tofu

• Best for: A vegan and high-protein option that blends smoothly into sauces.
• How to use: Blend silken tofu with a splash of soy milk or water until smooth, then use it in place of heavy cream.
• Tip: Works best in savory dishes and adds a nice creamy texture.

Each of these substitutes can be used based on your dietary preferences or the flavor and texture you’re aiming for.

FAQ’s

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