Chicken Mushroom Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and One-Pot Meal

Benefits and Advantages of chicken mushroom pasta

Chicken mushroom pasta stands out for its combination of ease, nutrition, and flavor. It requires simple ingredients and steps, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. This dish provides lean protein from chicken, paired with the rich umami flavor of cremini mushrooms, which enhances its taste without adding excess calories. It offers a well-rounded meal with a balanced mix of macronutrients, ideal for a nourishing yet indulgent dinner. The creamy sauce provides comforting richness, while fresh herbs and lemon zest lighten the flavor profile and add brightness. Its adaptability is another advantage whether you want to use different types of pasta, swap cream for lighter options, or add extra vegetables, this recipe can accommodate diverse dietary preferences easily. Overall, chicken mushroom pasta is a satisfying, versatile dish that fits well into a healthy, balanced diet and showcases a gourmet touch without complexity.

Essential Ingredients for chicken mushroom pasta

• 200 grams dried pasta (rigatoni, fettuccine, penne, or gemelli)
• 2 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, whole or diced)
• Flour for dusting (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 200 grams sliced cremini mushrooms (or shiitake, button mushrooms)
• 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (or a mix)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken/vegetable stock)
• ½ cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
• ½ cup light cream or heavy cream (half-and-half can substitute)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce if needed)
• Optional additions: kalamata olives, fresh spinach, bacon, broccoli, zucchini, or red pepper flakes for heat

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chicken mushroom pasta

Adapting chicken mushroom pasta for different diets is straightforward with a variety of substitutions:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and use plant-based cream alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can substitute Parmesan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties such as rice, corn, or legume-based noodles. Ensure that gluten-free flour is used if dusting chicken.
• Low-fat/Low-calorie: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free lighter alternative. Use less oil or substitute with cooking spray.
• Flavor Boosters: Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli to increase fiber and nutrients without much added calories.
• Sodium Control: Use low-sodium chicken stock and limit added salt, enhancing flavor with fresh herbs and lemon juice instead.

These adjustments retain the essence and comfort of the original chicken mushroom pasta while catering to specific dietary requirements.

How to Prepare the Perfect chicken mushroom pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the dried pasta just under al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Lightly dust with flour if desired to achieve a golden crust. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken undisturbed until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side if whole. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté finely chopped onions or shallots and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook gently until golden and tender, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in dry white wine and simmer until reduced by half, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add chicken stock and cream, stirring gently to combine.
6. If the sauce seems thin, mix cornstarch with water, stir into the sauce off heat, then return to a gentle simmer to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent curdling.
7. Push mushrooms to one side. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese in two batches to melt and thicken the sauce. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice, mixing quickly.
8. Slice chicken if whole or leave diced, then return to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss gently to coat with sauce. Simmer together for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
9. Stir in chopped parsley, and serve immediately, garnished with lemon zest and extra Parmesan as desired.

Following these steps yields a luscious, creamy chicken mushroom pasta with balanced flavors and a texture that delights every bite.

Mastering chicken mushroom pasta: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your chicken mushroom pasta to the next level, use a combination of wild and cremini mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor and add a complex savory note. Marinate the chicken thighs in herbs and lemon juice before cooking to infuse extra brightness into the meat. Adding a splash of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, while sautéing mushrooms enriches the sauce and adds subtle acidity.

For creaminess with extra body, blend part of the sautéed mushrooms into the sauce, creating a luscious texture. Boost nutrition and color by folding in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes near the end of cooking. Experiment with different pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne to vary the mouthfeel and presentation. To accommodate dietary needs, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast to add a nutty, savory layer that complements the herbs and lemon.

These tips let you customize chicken mushroom pasta to your taste and dietary needs, ensuring every meal is rich, flavorful, and uniquely yours.

How to Store chicken mushroom pasta: Best Practices

Storing chicken mushroom pasta properly helps keep it fresh and delicious. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking in airtight containers to preserve flavor and prevent spoilage. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, labeling them with the date. The dish freezes well but is best consumed within one month for optimal texture and taste.

When reheating, thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave defrost setting. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid reheating at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating or the chicken from drying out. Following these practices helps preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors, making meal prep and leftovers convenient.

Proper refrigeration and thoughtful reheating make chicken mushroom pasta a versatile dish perfect for quick meals anytime.

Nutritional Value of chicken mushroom pasta

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chicken mushroom pasta

Chicken Mushroom Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and One-Pot Meal

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🍝 Experience the creamy delight of Chicken Mushroom Pasta, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth in every bite.
🌿 This one-pot meal combines succulent chicken and tender mushrooms with creamy parmesan, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

200 grams dried pasta (rigatoni, fettuccine, penne, or gemelli)
2 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, whole or diced)
Flour for dusting (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
200 grams sliced cremini mushrooms
1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup light cream or heavy cream
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/2 to 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
(Optional) 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just under al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Optionally, dust with flour. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown (4-5 minutes per side if whole). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and remaining olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add rosemary or thyme, cooking for 1 minute. Add white wine and reduce by half (2-3 minutes). Add chicken stock and cream, stirring to combine. Thicken with cornstarch if needed.
5. Gradually stir in parmesan cheese in two batches, melting fully. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Slice chicken and return to the skillet. Add pasta, tossing to coat with sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, adding pasta water as needed.
7. Stir in parsley and serve with lemon zest and extra parmesan.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

☑️ Undercook pasta slightly, so it finishes cooking in the sauce and absorbs flavor.
🌟 Dry and season chicken thoroughly before searing for a juicy, golden crust.
🍄 Use fresh, quickly-rinsed mushrooms for the best texture.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: N/A
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A
• Fat: N/A
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: N/A
• Carbohydrates: N/A
• Fiber: N/A
• Protein: N/A
• Cholesterol: N/A