Description
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
300g penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the cooked pasta and mix well to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with grilled chicken slices and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
#CreamyChickenPasta #HomemadeRecipes
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dish. First, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before grilling them for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they have released their moisture and are golden brown.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Season the entire mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try roasted asparagus or garlic green beans. Serve the pasta immediately in warm bowls, topped with the sliced grilled chicken. A final sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds color and flavor. For a restaurant-style touch, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil over each plate just before serving.
How-to Summary
In summary: Grill and slice the chicken. Cook the pasta. Sauté garlic and mushrooms. Create the sauce by simmering cream and Parmesan. Combine the sauce with the pasta, season, and top with chicken and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle all work wonderfully with this creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
What are the best mushrooms to use? Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer great flavor, but simple white button mushrooms work perfectly. For a gourmet twist, try a mix with shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? The sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little milk or cream to loosen it up before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding the cheese and cream. Avoid boiling rapidly. Using full-fat cream and freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents) also helps ensure a smooth sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce in the skillet. Mushy pasta ruins the dish’s texture.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-packaged cheese often doesn’t melt smoothly. Always grate your own Parmesan for a silky sauce.
- Crowding the Pan with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms in a single layer to allow them to brown properly instead of steaming.
- Adding Chicken to the Sauce: Keep the grilled chicken separate as a topping to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
- Seasoning at the End Only: Season the chicken, the mushroom sauté, and the final dish in layers for maximum flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comforting, restaurant-quality food made easily at home. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently delicious and impressive meal. Its versatility allows for easy substitutions, making it a reliable recipe to keep in your weekly rotation. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.