One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Thyme Pasta with Chicken
A rich, comforting pasta dish with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made in a single pot. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs ounces chicken breasts, ounces penne pasta, ounces cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 3, 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 ounces chicken breasts
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
- 1 shallot
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 8 ounces chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then cook chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms and 1 minced shallot to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and shallot is translucent. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, then add 8 ounces penne pasta, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened slightly. Return chicken to the pot, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and cook for 2 more minutes until cheese melts.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Thyme Pasta with Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Mushroom and Thyme Pasta with Chicken?
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 ounces chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Thyme Pasta with Chicken?
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 Mushroom and Thyme Pasta with Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Mushroom and Thyme Pasta with Chicken?
Italian 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
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better one pot dishes though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
