One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, savory pasta dish with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sauce, all made in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, large, diced onion 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.

Prep: 10 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; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 cubed chicken breasts, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and 8 sliced cremini mushrooms, and cook for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp dried thyme to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in drained penne pasta, cooked chicken, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; toss until sauce coats pasta evenly.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for 1 more minute to heat through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken 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 Mushroom Chicken 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 Mushroom Chicken 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 Mushroom Chicken 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 Mushroom Chicken Pasta?

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.

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