This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is one of those comforting, one-pan meals that feels fancy but comes together fast. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce, it’s the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something a little more special. In this article, you’ll get my go-to recipe plus essential cooking tips, thickening tricks, and perfect pairings. Whether you’re making dinner for guests or just craving something indulgent and easy, this creamy pasta dish delivers on flavor, simplicity, and soul-satisfying comfort.
PART 1: The Story & Intro
A comfort dish born in my tiny first apartment kitchen
I still remember the first time I made this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe — I had just moved into my first apartment, the kind with barely enough counter space to chop an onion. It was a chilly night, and I wanted something warm, filling, and easy. I had chicken, a pack of mushrooms, some leftover cream, and a half-box of penne. Out of pure improvisation, this dish was born.
What started as a “whatever’s in the fridge” dinner turned into a go-to comfort food that I’ve refined over the years. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen — something I make when I want to feel cozy without spending hours at the stove. And what I love most? It never fails to impress guests, even though it takes less than 30 minutes from pan to plate.
Why creamy pasta always hits the spot
There’s something about creamy pasta dishes that always feels satisfying. The richness of the sauce wraps around each bite of chicken and pasta, while the mushrooms add an earthy, savory depth that makes the whole dish feel luxurious. It’s balanced, hearty, and doesn’t need a long list of ingredients to taste like a restaurant-quality meal.
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is especially great because it works year-round. You can serve it with a crisp salad in spring, roasted veggies in fall, or a warm piece of crusty garlic bread anytime. You’ll find other similarly comforting dishes in my weeknight dinners and comfort food collection, all built to make home cooking feel rewarding and doable — even on the busiest days.
PART 2: Ingredients & Preparation Tips
Chicken, mushrooms & pasta: choosing the right base
The success of this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe starts with the right foundational ingredients. For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs are your best bet if you want maximum flavor and tenderness. They stay juicy and rich even after simmering in sauce. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too — just avoid overcooking them to prevent dryness.
When it comes to mushrooms, you’ve got options. White button mushrooms are mild and budget-friendly. Cremini (baby bellas) offer more depth, while shiitake or even oyster mushrooms bring a more gourmet, earthy flavor. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate and caramelize nicely for a richer sauce.
And for pasta? Choose short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni — they trap the sauce beautifully. Long pasta like fettuccine works too, especially if you love twirling your noodles through a creamy, savory blend. If you’re looking for other pasta types to experiment with, my pasta dishes collection has plenty of delicious options with different shapes and textures.
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Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe: Easy, Rich & Comforting
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe made in one pan with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced
2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
¾ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add mushrooms and cook until browned and softened. Add garlic and thyme; sauté 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
5. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let reduce slightly.
6. Return chicken to the pan, add parmesan, and stir until melted.
7. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk and thicken with cornstarch.
Use any pasta you like, but short shapes like penne or rotini hold sauce well.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe, pasta with cream sauce, chicken mushroom pasta
The creamy element: heavy cream, broth, or shortcut sauce?
The heart of any creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is the sauce — and you’ve got several ways to make it amazing.
A classic option is to use heavy cream for a rich, silky texture. But you can lighten things up with half-and-half, or Greek yogurt if you prefer something tangy and protein-packed. For added flavor, start with a base of chicken broth and sautéed garlic before stirring in cream — it builds a more complex flavor that doesn’t rely solely on fat.
If you’re short on time, store-bought sauces can be a quick fix — just check the label for real cream and mushrooms, not fillers. But whenever possible, a homemade cream sauce wins for freshness and control over salt and flavor.
Want to learn how to make the best pan sauces from scratch? This Serious Eats guide to sauce-making is an excellent DoFollow resource for building flavor with real ingredients.
For those who want fast results without sacrificing quality, check out my quick & easy recipes. They offer smart shortcuts and flavor-focused meals you can make even when you’re short on time.
PART 3: Cooking Steps + Pro Tips
How to thicken the sauce perfectly
One of the most common questions I get about this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is: how do I make the sauce thick and luxurious without turning it into a clump? There are a few easy tricks that work every time.
Start by building your sauce from the pan drippings after cooking the chicken and mushrooms. Add a splash of broth or white wine to deglaze, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Then, stir in your cream or dairy of choice and simmer gently. Let it reduce uncovered — the more it simmers, the thicker and more concentrated the flavor becomes.
If you need extra thickness, you can whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water (1 teaspoon each) toward the end. Add it gradually and stir constantly until the sauce reaches your desired texture. For a more traditional touch, make a quick roux with butter and flour before adding cream.
Want a complete breakdown of pasta sauce textures and techniques? Check out the BBC Good Food guide on how to make the best pasta sauce
Balancing flavors: herbs, broth, umami
Creamy sauces can fall flat if you don’t add enough depth. That’s where herbs and umami come in. I always start with minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warm base. Then, fresh or dried thyme and a bay leaf go into the simmering sauce to infuse it with subtle earthiness.
To bring everything together, finish the sauce with a handful of freshly grated parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice — that touch of acid lifts the richness and keeps it from feeling heavy. You can also add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce (yes, really!) to enhance the savory mushroom notes.
In this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe, it’s these little flavor layers that turn a simple cream sauce into a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I use this same technique in many of my pasta recipes — flavor balance is always key.
PART 4: Serving Ideas & Storage Tips
What to serve with creamy chicken and mushroom pasta?
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is rich, savory, and satisfying on its own — but pairing it with the right sides can round out the meal and add freshness or crunch.
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and provides contrast. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or lemony green beans for a burst of color and lightness. If you’re hosting or want to make the meal feel restaurant-worthy, add a basket of garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up the creamy sauce.
For drinks, a light chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works beautifully with the creamy, mushroomy flavors. Want more pairing ideas like this? You’ll find great inspiration in my brunch recipes, where balance and flavor pairings take center stage.
If you’re wondering what else to serve with creamy mushroom chicken in general, here’s a good rule: pair rich, creamy sauces with something fresh, acidic, or crispy. That contrast brings out the best in every bite.
Storage & make-ahead advice
One of the things I love most about this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is how well it holds up as leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its silky texture.
If you want to make it ahead, prep the sauce separately and cook the pasta just before serving. Cream-based sauces tend to thicken in the fridge, but separating components helps preserve that fresh-made feel.
You can even freeze the sauce on its own (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. For more make-ahead dinner solutions, take a look at my meal planning ideas — they’re built for busy cooks who still want to eat well at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
What to have with creamy mushroom chicken?
Creamy mushroom chicken pairs beautifully with simple, refreshing sides. Try a crisp arugula salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For a heartier plate, add garlic mashed potatoes or crusty bread. This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe takes it a step further by turning those flavors into a full, satisfying meal.
How to thicken cream of mushroom chicken?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered to naturally reduce. You can also whisk in a slurry made with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add it gradually while stirring, and remove from heat once the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. In this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe, reduction and parmesan help thicken the sauce naturally.
Can chicken and mushroom be eaten together?
Absolutely! Chicken and mushrooms are a classic pairing, especially in creamy sauces. The mild flavor of chicken absorbs the umami of mushrooms, creating a savory, satisfying balance. They work beautifully in pasta, risottos, and soups — which is why this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe is such a comfort food staple.
What are the ingredients in Chicken Tonight Creamy Mushroom Sauce?
The store-bought version typically contains mushrooms, cream, water, starches, milk solids, salt, and preservatives. While convenient, homemade sauces like the one in this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe offer fresher flavor and allow you to control ingredients like sodium and additives.
Conclusion: The Go-To Pasta Dish You’ll Keep Making
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner — it’s a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and just enough elegance to make any night feel special. From the savory pan-seared chicken to the velvety cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, every element comes together in a way that’s both simple and satisfying.
It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re new to creamy pasta dishes or have been making them for years, this recipe is the kind of kitchen staple that always delivers.
Loved this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe? Save it for your next cozy dinner, and be sure to explore more delicious ideas in our easy pasta collection or pair it with a side from our healthy recipes for the perfect balanced plate.