Description
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Pasta
“Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic mushroom chicken pasta—packed with flavor and ready to impress!
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Ingredients
For the Chicken & Mushrooms:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken & Mushrooms:
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until golden brown.
Add mushrooms and sauté until tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Let it thicken for a few minutes.
Assemble & Serve:
Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Add back the cooked chicken and mushrooms, stirring to coat.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Who’s ready to dig into this creamy, dreamy dish?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless dish. First, prep all ingredients: cube chicken, slice mushrooms, mince garlic, and grate Parmesan. Begin boiling heavily salted water for your pasta. As it heats, season the chicken. In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, then add mushrooms, sautéing until they release their moisture and brown. Remove this mixture. Your pasta water should now be boiling; cook the pasta to al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
For the sauce, in the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, add the drained pasta, chicken, and mushrooms back to the skillet. Toss everything until evenly coated and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta immediately while hot and creamy. Plate it in shallow bowls for the best presentation. A final garnish of extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or basil adds color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a wine pairing, choose a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta, reserving some water. Sauté seasoned chicken, then mushrooms; set aside. In the same pan, make a sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, simmering cream, and melting in Parmesan. Toss everything together with the pasta, using pasta water to adjust consistency. Garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Thinly sliced steak, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Why is my sauce grainy or separating? This often happens if the heat is too high when adding the cheese, causing it to break. Always simmer cream gently and add grated Parmesan off the heat or on very low heat, stirring constantly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the saucy consistency, as the pasta will absorb the sauce when chilled.
What other mushrooms can I use? Cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms add deeper flavor. A mix of varieties creates excellent texture and taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook only to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
- Burning the Garlic: Sauté minced garlic for only 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Burnt garlic turns bitter.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: These products contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate fresh Parmesan from a block.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: The starchy water is crucial for adjusting sauce thickness and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Crowding the Pan: Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic mushroom chicken pasta is a quintessential comfort food that balances simplicity with impressive flavor. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms coat every strand of pasta perfectly. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!