One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: A Heartwarming Family Favorite
There’s something incredibly cozy about the aroma of a creamy pasta dish bubbling away on the stovetop. The scent of garlic mingling with rich, earthy mushrooms and tender chicken evokes memories of family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. If you’ve ever craved a comforting classic that makes the entire house feel inviting, let me introduce you to my beloved One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. This easy recipe is destined to become a family favorite, perfect for those bustling weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. But what I love most about this dish is how it marries indulgence with practicality. Here’s why you will adore this recipe:
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy the meal and these special moments with loved ones.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The creaminess from the sauce envelops each strand of pasta, while the chicken and mushrooms add depth and heartiness.
- Customizable: Whether you feel like adding spinach for a pop of color or swapping chicken for a vegetarian option, this dish easily adapts to your taste.
- Quick Preparation: In about 30 minutes, you can whip up a gorgeous meal that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Family Gathering Delight: This pasta dish is not just food; it’s a dish that brings people together.
Ingredient Breakdown
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to something delicious:
- 8 oz pasta (any kind; I love fettuccine for its bite)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cubed for easy cooking)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced; button or cremini work beautifully)
- 1 medium onion (chopped; for a hint of sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced; to elevate the flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (swap for half-and-half or a non-dairy option for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (dried herbs like oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish; adds a burst of freshness)
Prep and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
With just about half an hour, you can serve up a meal everyone will love, making this recipe both quick and convenient for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture—this is where the aroma fills the room!
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Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Mix in the Pasta and Broth: Return the chicken to the pot and add the dry pasta and chicken broth. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, checking for doneness.
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Add Cream: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luscious.
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Final Touches: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Swap Proteins: Try shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for an extra creamy and cheesy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: a family dinner where everyone gathers around the table, the delicious creamy pasta steaming in the center, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a hearty loaf of bread. This dish shines during cozy family dinners, weekend brunch spreads, or even for impressing friends during festive gatherings. Serve it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water to elevate the experience.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish is great for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as the pasta tends to absorb it when stored. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Pro Kitchen Secrets
- Let it Rest: Give your pasta a few minutes to settle before serving. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Brighten with Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can add a lovely brightness to the dish.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Higher quality chicken broth and fresh herbs will elevate the dish tremendously.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Ensure the chicken gets a good sear; that caramelization adds unbeatable flavor.
- Stay Flexible: Feel free to adjust the cream, adding more or less based on your desired richness.
FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a healthy alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and store it separately from the pasta for up to one day. Combine them just before serving to maintain the perfect texture. -
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. -
How do I handle leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. -
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed, fresh chicken for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, you can cook the frozen chicken right in the pot by adding a bit of extra time.
Conclusion
Cooking should feel like a warm embrace, and my One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is just that—a loving dish crafted to bring joy and comfort to your table. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, try this recipe today, and create cherished memories filled with laughter, good food, and a generous sprinkle of love. Happy cooking!
Contents
One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (any kind; fettuccine recommended)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cubed)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced; button or cremini)
- 1 medium onion (chopped) for a hint of sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) to elevate the flavor
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, or a non-dairy option)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried herbs like oregano and basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish) adds a burst of freshness
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pot, add the dry pasta and chicken broth. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, checking for doneness.
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and is luscious.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.