Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta Skillet 🍗🍄🍝

This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta Skillet is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make! Tender seasoned chicken, golden mushrooms, garlic, Parmesan, and pasta come together in a creamy sauce for a delicious one-skillet dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 10 oz (285 g) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 cup fresh spinach, optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms

Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and softened.

Add the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.

Add the uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook Until Creamy

Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has turned into a creamy sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth.

6. Add Chicken & Parmesan

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Add spinach if using and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes so the sauce can thicken.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serve immediately with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

🔥 Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

• Use fresh mushrooms and let them brown properly for deeper flavor.
• Don’t rinse the pasta after cooking—though this recipe cooks the pasta directly in the skillet.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
• Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for extra vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and stay very juicy.

Q: What mushrooms are best?
Cremini or white button mushrooms work perfectly. Baby bella mushrooms provide an even richer flavor.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. The sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich, but still delicious.

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, shells, bow ties, and fettuccine can all work. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, although the pasta is best served fresh. If reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 890mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

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