Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
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.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless (8 oz total), cubed into 1-inch pieces chicken breast
- 1 cup, sliced button mushrooms
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
