Description
This creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken cutlets, sautéed cremini mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 4 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquid Ingredients & Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water (for slurry)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets (4 pieces total). Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook chicken cutlets for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet along with mushrooms and onions. Cook until mushrooms release their water and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the broth reduces by half.
- Incorporate Cream and Lemon: Add lemon juice and heavy cream to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir this into the skillet sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the bite-sized chicken back into the skillet and cook for a few minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens.
- Add Parmesan: Stir fresh grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and well combined.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water before draining to loosen it.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with white button mushrooms if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Optional garnish with parsley adds a fresh pop of color and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American