Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting dish of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs sliced button mushrooms, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz cubed chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and browned.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Creamy Chicken and 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 sliced button mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Chicken and 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 Creamy Chicken and 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 Creamy Chicken and 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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