Decadent Chicken & Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Sauce
A rich blend of flavors and creamy textures, this pasta dish elevates your dining experience with ease and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 300 g fettuccine or penne (gluten-free options available)
- 300 g boneless chicken breasts (substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 200 g cremini or button mushrooms (shiitake mushrooms offer a gourmet twist)
- 1 cup heavy cream (use coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 80 g Parmesan cheese, grated (nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (basil can also work wonderfully)
Instructions
Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta before it becomes overly soft.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Gradually incorporate the Parmesan cheese while mixing until it melts and the sauce thickens. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to coat it generously with the creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can substitute whole wheat pasta for more fiber, use skinless chicken thighs for more flavor, or swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a nut-based cream to reduce calories. Pair with lemon zest or crushed red pepper for an extra kick.