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Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

This creamy and hearty pasta dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce for a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) Fresh mushrooms preferred for best flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste Add after tasting to avoid over-seasoning
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Optional but recommended for freshness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and browned, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts and the sauce thickens.
Combining
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and avoid overcooking the pasta. This dish can be paired with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread.