Name: Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Chicken and Pasta Base; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 medium chicken breasts (about 400 g), sliced thin; 300 g (10.5 oz) penne or fettuccine pasta; 3 cups (750 ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (250 ml) water; Mushroom Cream Sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups (200 g) sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika (optional); Garnish (Optional); ; Fresh parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese

Few dishes combine comfort, simplicity, and flavor as effortlessly as creamy mushroom chicken pasta. This one-pot recipe brings together juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious mushroom sauce in a single pan—no multiple pots, no unnecessary cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes. The secret lies in balancing rich cream, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly seasoned chicken for a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Once you master this, it’ll become a go-to in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients

To make four generous servings of creamy mushroom chicken pasta, you’ll need:

Chicken and Pasta Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 400 g total), sliced into thin strips
- 300 g (10.5 oz) penne pasta or fettuccine
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (250 ml) water
Mushroom Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups (200 g) sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving

Using these precise measurements ensures the sauce maintains the ideal thickness and flavor balance. The result is a creamy texture that coats the pasta without becoming heavy.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a perfect one-pot meal every time.

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add sliced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Searing in batches helps the chicken develop flavor through browning instead of steaming.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent.
Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they release moisture and turn golden.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

This step builds the foundation of the sauce. The browned bits at the bottom of the pan from the chicken (called fond) dissolve during this process, infusing the sauce with deep, savory flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and scrape up any remaining fond from the pan.
Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium.

Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta becomes al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently.
Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach a silky consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. The pasta should be creamy, glossy, and perfectly coated.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Freezing: Although possible, freezing can cause the cream to separate. If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To maintain texture and flavor, avoid microwaving on high heat, as this can make the sauce oily or grainy.

Variations

This recipe is flexible. You can adjust ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Protein Substitutes:
Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu. Each protein adds a new flavor layer.
Vegetarian Option:
Omit chicken and double the mushrooms. Add spinach or zucchini for variety.
Lighter Version:
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. Use less cheese to reduce calories.
Flavor Boosters:
Add a splash of white wine when deglazing, or stir in sun-dried tomatoes or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for depth.
Spicy Twist:
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne powder for heat.

Experimenting with these variations keeps the recipe fresh and exciting each time you make it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy mushroom chicken pasta as a complete meal or pair it with complementary sides:

Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad cuts through the richness.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots add color and balance.
Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

For a family-style presentation, serve the pasta straight from the pot at the table—it’s both casual and elegant.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta (One Pot) proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a single pan, you get a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Each element—juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, al dente pasta, and silky cream—comes together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cooking for a weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe adapts to every situation. Its versatility allows endless variations, while its flavor guarantees consistent comfort. Master it once, and you’ll always have a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish ready in under an hour.