Oh, comfort food! There’s just something about a creamy, savory dish that wraps you up like a warm hug, isn’t there? And let me tell you, this Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce recipe? It’s basically a big, delicious embrace in a bowl. I mean, who doesn’t love tender chicken and earthy mushrooms swimming in a rich, garlicky sauce, all tossed with their favorite pasta?

I stumbled upon this combination years ago when I was trying to use up some chicken and mushrooms lingering in the fridge, and honestly, it was pure magic. It quickly became a go-to weeknight dinner for us, because it’s just so incredibly easy to whip up, but tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Trust me, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser, and you’re going to want to add it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Adore This Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

Okay, so why should this Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce become your new favorite? Well, let me count the ways! This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a little slice of heaven that fits perfectly into your busy life. Here’s why I just know you’re going to fall in love with it:

It’s lightning fast! Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you still want something amazing.
Flavor, flavor, flavor! The garlic, the creamy sauce, the tender chicken, the earthy mushrooms… it all just sings together. It’s rich without being heavy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Picky-eater approved! My kids devour this. The creamy sauce makes everything so appealing, even for those who usually shy away from mushrooms.
That texture! There’s nothing quite like a perfectly creamy pasta sauce. It coats every strand of fettuccine beautifully, making each bite pure bliss.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

Alright, so you’re ready to dive into making this incredible Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce? Fantastic! The good news is, you don’t need a pantry full of exotic stuff for this one. These are all pretty standard ingredients, but when they come together, magic happens. Trust me, getting these right is the first step to pure pasta perfection!

1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to get things started and give that chicken a beautiful sear.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: We want nice, bite-sized pieces that cook up quickly and soak up all that yummy sauce.
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: These are my go-to for their earthy flavor. Slice them up however you like, but I usually go for about a quarter-inch thick.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp here! This is a “garlic” chicken dish, after all. Freshly minced is always best for that punchy flavor.
1/2 cup chicken broth: This helps deglaze the pan and forms the base for our creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Ah, the star of the show! This is what makes our sauce so rich and luxurious.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Please, please, please use freshly grated! It melts so much better and the flavor is just miles above the pre-shredded stuff.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Always season as you go!
12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta: Fettuccine is classic here, but honestly, penne, linguine, or even rotini would be delicious too!

Equipment Needed for Your Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce, which is part of its charm! Just a few kitchen basics will get you through. Here’s what I grab:

A good, large skillet (or a Dutch oven works too!) for all that chicken and sauce magic.
A big pasta pot for boiling your fettuccine.
A cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping your chicken and mushrooms.
And, of course, a colander for draining that pasta!

Crafting Your Delicious Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

Okay, this is where the real fun begins! Don’t be intimidated; making this Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce is super straightforward. We’re going to build layers of flavor, and before you know it, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!

Preparing the Pasta and Chicken for Creamy Pasta

First things first, get that pasta cooking! Grab your biggest pot, fill it with water, add a generous pinch of salt (seriously, salt your pasta water like the sea!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your 12 ounces of fettuccine (or whatever pasta you chose!) and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. That’s just cooked through, with a slight bite. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling.
While your pasta is doing its thing, let’s get that chicken browned. Heat your 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add your 1 pound of chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or your chicken will steam instead of brown. You might need to do this in two batches if your skillet isn’t huge. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. We’re looking for that lovely golden crust – that’s flavor, my friends! Once it’s done, scoop the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the pan just yet; those little browned bits are pure gold for our sauce!

Building the Flavorful Garlic & Mushroom Sauce

Now for the mushrooms! Add your 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to that same skillet (no need for extra oil). Cook them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened up and released their liquid, then started to get a nice light brown color.
Time for the star of the show: garlic! Stir in your 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when you can really smell it – don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter!
Pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth. This is where we deglaze the pan! Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. That’s pure flavor right there, don’t let it go to waste! Let the broth simmer for a minute or two.
Next, stir in your 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Bring it to a gentle simmer, just a few bubbles, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken slightly. We’re not looking for super thick here, just enough to coat a spoon. It will thicken more as it cools and when it mixes with the pasta.

Combining and Serving Your Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Then, add your drained pasta right into the skillet too. Toss everything together really well, making sure every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken and mushroom is beautifully coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce.
Finally, stir in your 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley. This adds a lovely freshness and a pop of color. Give it a taste, and then season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Serve immediately, and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss!

Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

So, you’ve made your first batch of this amazing Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce, and I bet it was delicious! But if you want to take it from “great” to “OMG, what is this magic?!” here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way:

Fresh is BEST for Parmesan! I know I said it in the ingredients, but it bears repeating. Pre-shredded Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or oily. Freshly grated melts beautifully and tastes so much richer. It’s worth the extra minute, trust me!
Gentle Simmer is Key: When you add the cream, keep the heat on medium-low and just let it come to a gentle simmer. Boiling cream vigorously can sometimes cause it to separate or become grainy. We want smooth, luscious sauce!
Taste and Adjust, Always: This is my golden rule for all cooking! Before you serve, give your pasta a good taste. Does it need a little more salt? A crack of fresh black pepper? Maybe a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for brightness (totally optional, but sometimes amazing!)? Your taste buds are your best guide.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is your friend! The pasta will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, so pulling it a minute or two before it’s fully soft will ensure it doesn’t get mushy.

Common Questions About Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

I get a lot of questions about this recipe, and I love that! It means you’re really thinking about what you’re cooking. Here are some of the most common ones I hear about this creamy pasta with garlic chicken and mushrooms:

Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic choice for this creamy garlic chicken and mushroom pasta, feel free to use your favorite. Penne, linguine, rotini, or even farfalle would work wonderfully. Just pick something that holds onto that delicious sauce well!

Q: How can I make the creamy pasta sauce thicker?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, don’t worry! You can let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. If you’re in a hurry, you can also whisk together a tiny bit of cornstarch (about 1 teaspoon) with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two, and it should thicken right up.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this chicken and mushroom pasta?
Oh, please do! This creamy pasta is super versatile. Spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic additions. Just add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in with the chicken at the end. For heartier veggies like asparagus, you might want to sauté them with the mushrooms or even blanch them quickly beforehand.

Q: What if I don’t have cremini mushrooms?
No problem! White button mushrooms are a perfectly fine substitute for cremini. They have a milder flavor, but will still add that lovely earthy texture to your garlic chicken and mushroom sauce. Portobello mushrooms, sliced thinly, would also work for a more robust mushroom flavor.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

So, you’ve got some glorious leftovers of this Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce? Lucky you! To keep it tasting great, pop any extra pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat. The sauce might thicken up quite a bit in the fridge, so I always add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream while it’s warming up. This brings back that lovely, luscious texture. Just stir it gently until it’s heated through, and enjoy!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Pasta with Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms

I know some of you like to keep an eye on the numbers, so here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this creamy pasta with garlic chicken and mushrooms. Please remember, these values are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands you use, how much oil you add, and even the exact size of your chicken pieces. But it gives you a general idea of the calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates in each delicious serving!

Your Feedback on Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce

Well, there you have it! My absolute favorite recipe for Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in a Creamy Pasta Sauce. I truly hope you love it as much as I do. Please, please, please let me know what you think in the comments below! Did you try any fun modifications? Did your family rave about it? I’d love to hear your experiences, and don’t forget to give it a star rating! Your feedback helps me and other home cooks out so much.

Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms: 1 Insane Creamy Dish

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

This dish features tender chicken and earthy mushrooms coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, served over pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
Stir in fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded.
You can substitute other types of pasta like penne or linguine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 28g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: garlic chicken, creamy pasta, mushroom pasta, chicken pasta, pasta sauce