One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
A comforting, creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and mushrooms, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms are softened and release their liquid.
- Step 5: Stir in 8 oz penne pasta and 1 cup chicken broth, then bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Step 6: Stir in the cooked chicken, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta, stirring constantly.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 One-Pot 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot 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 One-Pot 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 One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta?
Italian-American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.