Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels restaurant-quality yet is simple enough to prepare at home, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is exactly what you need. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This easy dinner recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy family meals, or even casual entertaining.

What makes this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta truly special is its perfect balance of richness and freshness. The savory mushrooms enhance the juicy chicken, while garlic, cream, and Parmesan create a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta. Best of all, this homemade pasta dish comes together in under 40 minutes!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy homemade pasta recipe:

12 oz (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced into thin strips
8 oz (225g) mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Beginner Tip: Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This is your first chance to season the dish properly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a beautiful golden sear.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.

Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy mushroom sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the broth for depth.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey for a delicious variation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

This homemade Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is the definition of comfort food. It’s creamy without being overly heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and elegant without requiring advanced cooking skills. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich Parmesan cream sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing an easy dinner for guests, this pasta recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love a good homemade pasta dish!