Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a dish that combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and a touch of elegance, you have found it with this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce that gently hugs every piece of rigatoni. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for a cozy dinner yet impressive enough to share with guests. It’s a wonderful balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it a new favorite to reach for on any night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this dish just right starts with simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in bringing depth of flavor, perfect texture, and vibrant color to this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe.

• Dry rigatoni pasta: The ridges are perfect for catching the cream sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and mild, they soak up the seasoning and keeps the dish protein-packed and hearty.
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate every component of the dish.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity note and helps develop that golden sear.
• Cremini mushrooms: Their meaty texture and earthiness perfectly complement the chicken and cream.
• Onion: Finely diced to create a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with a fragrant richness you can’t resist.
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to brighten the overall flavor.
• Reserved pasta cooking water: A secret weapon for binding the sauce with just the right consistency.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Enhances the savory base without overpowering the other flavors.
• Heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that turns this dish into pure comfort food.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of freshness and gorgeous color for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your rigatoni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining because this starchy water will be a game-changer when it comes to creating the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to build flavor right from the start. Having evenly sized pieces helps them cook uniformly and remain juicy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken and set it aside to prepare the other ingredients.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté until they turn a lovely golden brown, about 5 minutes. This process intensifies their earthy flavor and adds a pleasant bite. Set them aside with the chicken.

Step 5: Cook Onions and Garlic

Next, add the finely diced onion to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and just starting to caramelize. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until the aroma fills your kitchen, signaling flavor is building beautifully.

Step 6: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—they add incredible depth. Let the wine reduce until mostly evaporated. Then add your reserved pasta water and low-sodium chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.

Step 7: Add the Cream

Pour in heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and gives it that silky, luscious quality you expect from a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Mushrooms

Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Stir gently to combine and let everything warm through for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 9: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Grate fresh Parmesan cheese into the sauce and mix until melted and evenly distributed. This not only enriches the sauce with umami but also adds a lovely slight thickness.

Step 10: Toss Pasta and Serve

Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss everything together to ensure every pasta piece is generously coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish both visually and in taste, adding a fresh herbal lift. Don’t forget to add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving to enhance the creamy richness even more.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also make fantastic companions, perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls or rustic ceramic dishes and garnish with whole parsley sprigs and a few thin Parmesan shavings. It’s an inviting presentation that makes every diner feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy chicken and mushroom pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen overnight, making it still delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if placed in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware the cream sauce might separate slightly but will be easily revived when gently reheated.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Rigatoni works wonderfully because of its ridges and size, but penne, fusilli, or even farfalle can be excellent substitutes. Just be sure to cook according to package instructions.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For best results, stick to heavy cream when possible.

Can I prepare this recipe without wine?

Yes, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can skip the wine and replace it with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to provide some acidity and brightness.

How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and cooking over medium-high heat just until done. This keeps it juicy and tender in the creamy sauce.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Spinach, asparagus tips, or peas make great additions. Add softer vegetables toward the end of the cooking process so they don’t overcook or lose their vibrant color.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that brings warmth and joy at the dinner table. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight while still feeling like a treat. I encourage you to try it soon — once you make it, it just might become one of your go-to meals for comfort and flavor.

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