One-Pot Mushroom Thyme Chicken with Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy pasta simmered with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a single pot, finished with fresh thyme. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, sliced cremini mushrooms, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and browned. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Bring to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened when stirred.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Mushroom Thyme Chicken with Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Mushroom Thyme Chicken with 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 Mushroom Thyme Chicken with 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 Mushroom Thyme Chicken with 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 Mushroom Thyme Chicken with 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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