Authentic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made with real cream and parmesan, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, boneless chicken thighs, fresh mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Pat 1 lb boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden and tender. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated parmesan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Add 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet with the sauce, add drained penne pasta, and toss gently to coat. Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Cook for 1 minute until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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