Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

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There’s something soul-satisfying about a creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce. This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta has become one of my go-to meals when I want comfort food that feels a little fancy but takes surprisingly little effort to put together. It’s one of those recipes that hits all the right notes: richness, depth of flavor, and just the right amount of garlic to make it memorable without being overwhelming.

I love how this dish comes together in a single skillet, infusing every bite with the same creamy, garlicky goodness. The way the sauce clings to the fettuccine, wrapping around golden chicken pieces and sautéed mushrooms, is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or dishing it up for guests, it never fails to impress. If you’re a fan of pasta nights that feel indulgent but are secretly easy to pull off, you’ll love what this recipe brings to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

This dish is more than just another creamy pasta. It combines simple ingredients in a way that makes them shine. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, while the mushrooms add an earthy umami richness that complements the creamy sauce. Garlic plays a starring role, offering warmth and depth without overpowering the rest of the flavors. It’s also a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after cooking. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

I usually go for fettuccine in this recipe because it holds the creamy sauce beautifully. But you can absolutely use other types like linguine, penne, or tagliatelle. Anything with enough surface area or grooves to catch the sauce will work well. Fresh pasta will elevate the dish even more, but dried pasta is just as delicious.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is adaptable depending on your pantry and preferences. You can swap the chicken for turkey or even shrimp for a different protein twist. Not a fan of mushrooms? Try spinach or sun-dried tomatoes instead. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and olive oil instead of cream and butter—just note the flavor will be a bit different but still rich and satisfying. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and double up on the veggies or add plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

Chicken breast – Sliced into bite-sized pieces, chicken breast is lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic sauce.

Mushrooms – I use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for their deep, earthy flavor, but button mushrooms work too.

Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves add bold, aromatic richness. Use at least 4 cloves for a strong presence.

Heavy cream – This gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture. It’s essential for richness.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds nutty depth and thickens the sauce.

Butter – Used to sauté the mushrooms and garlic, and adds extra flavor to the base.

Olive oil – Helps brown the chicken and keeps it from sticking to the pan.

Fettuccine pasta – Its flat, wide shape holds the creamy sauce well. Cooked al dente.

Chicken broth – A splash of broth deglazes the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.

Salt and pepper – For seasoning each component to taste.

Fresh parsley – Chopped and sprinkled on top for color and a touch of freshness.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5–6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Season lightly with salt.

Step 4: Add the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken. Then add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

This dish is surprisingly quick to pull together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels luxurious.

Prep Time: It takes about 10–15 minutes to prep the ingredients—slicing the chicken, mushrooms, mincing garlic, and getting everything ready for the skillet. You can save even more time by prepping in advance.

Cook Time: Cooking takes about 25 minutes total. Browning the chicken and mushrooms, then building the sauce and combining everything, all happen in one pan, which helps speed things up and makes cleanup easier.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce—pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken or mushrooms; give them space so they sear instead of steam.
• Add the garlic after the mushrooms are browned to avoid burning it, which would make the sauce bitter.
• If the sauce gets too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it loosens up.
• Warm your cream slightly before adding it to the pan to prevent curdling when it hits the hot pan.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It can dry out quickly. Remove it as soon as it’s golden and cooked through.
• Burning the garlic: Sauté it gently on medium or low heat, just until fragrant.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Those browned bits on the pan are flavor gold. Don’t leave them behind.
• Not seasoning each layer: Season the chicken, mushrooms, and sauce individually for the most depth.
• Using cold cream straight from the fridge: It can cause the sauce to separate.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

2. Steamed Broccoli

A fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta.

3. Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crisp romaine offer a refreshing balance.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Adds color, crunch, and earthiness that pair well with the mushrooms.

5. A Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re enjoying wine, a buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore creaminess.

Freezer: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cream sauce may change. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with added liquid to revive the sauce.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to avoid uneven heating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich. You may need to simmer a bit longer to thicken it.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Slice it against the grain into even, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and stays tender.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir continuously.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

You can! Just add it at the end to warm through in the sauce without overcooking.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Pasta is the kind of dish that brings big comfort with minimal effort. The richness of the garlic cream sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms over a bed of fettuccine makes it a meal worth repeating. Whether you’re making it for a quiet night in or a small gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress—both for its flavor and its simplicity. Keep this recipe in your back pocket, because once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

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