Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
This pasta dish combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce over pasta. It's a comforting, gourmet meal perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Mushrooms and Aromatics
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms button or mixed varieties
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup marinara or tomato paste adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss once more.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh Italian seasoning if desired.