Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta is the perfect easy weeknight meal! Juicy chicken and savory mushrooms are tossed in a rich, creamy sauce and served with pasta for a comforting meal the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this dish comes together quickly—ideal for those crazy nights when you need something delicious without all the fuss!

We love pasta night at our house! It’s filling, easy to prepare, and always full of flavor. I think your entire family is going to love this easy pasta recipe too.

Penne Pasta

Let’s talk pasta shapes! I prefer penne pasta in this recipe because it makes such a great vehicle for the creamy mushroom sauce. You can use any pasta shape you prefer, though. Rigatoni is similar, and fusilli or farfalle pasta are great choices as well.

You can always choose a whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta to meet your dietary needs as well.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

You will need the following ingredients to make this savory pasta meal:

• Penne pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• Chopped onion
• Fresh mushrooms (I used Baby Bella mushrooms)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Heavy cream
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Be sure to review the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a complete list of ingredients and instructions!

How to make Pasta with Chicken and Mushrooms

This mushroom pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Here’s how to make it:

1. First, bring a large pot of salted water up to a boil and cook pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Drain the water from the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cut the chicken in half lengthwise and season both sides with the salt and pepper. 
3. Next, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest while you continue.
4. Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until they are fragrant and have softened, often about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and garlic and allow them to cook until the mushrooms turn golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. 
5. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce thickens. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Finally, slice your chicken into half-inch pieces. Add the pasta, chicken, and parsley to the sauce, and enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions

• Penne pasta – As mentioned above, bowtie or rigatoni pasta would also be good.
• Chicken breast – boneless skinless chicken thighs could make a juicer option. 
• Olive oil – Avocado oil is another choice.
• Baby Bella mushrooms – portobello, white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or shitake mushrooms all make good alternatives.
• Garlic cloves – fresh is best, but you can also use “jarrlic”, or jarred garlic. Use 2.5 tablespoons in this recipe.
• Heavy cream – If you need a dairy-free alternative, you can use full-fat coconut milk.

FAQs

How do I store leftover Chicken Mushroom Pasta?

Transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium low heat with a little extra broth or cream.

Can you freeze this meal?

Any dish with a cream sauce may separate when thawed. You can freeze it, but the texture of the sauce may not be the same when you reheat the dish.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish? 

If you would like to add some other vegetables, consider broccoli, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers. It would add not only to the flavor profile but also add some great color to the dish.

Can I cut the chicken cubes before adding them back to the pan with the pasta and sauce? 

You can cut the chicken into more bite-size pieces if you prefer. You can also shred a rotisserie chicken and skip cooking the chicken!

How can I thin the Chicken Mushroom Pasta sauce if it’s too thick? 

If your sauce becomes thicker than you would like, you can thin it out with chicken stock, chicken broth, or white wine.

How can I make the dish creamier? 

If you would like to make the dish creamier than it is already, you can add 4 oz. of cream cheese or grated parmesan cheese.

More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

I have tons of great pasta dishes on the blog here. These are some of the most popular ones:

• Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

What’s your favorite type of pasta? Share in the comments below!

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Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!