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Pasta serves as the backbone of this dish, providing both substance and texture. While you can use various types of pasta, penne and fettuccine are two of the most popular choices for creamy sauces. Penne, with its tubular shape, is adept at capturing sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Fettuccine, on the other hand, offers a wider surface area that allows for a luxurious coating of the creamy sauce.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet Pasta

Discover the ultimate weeknight comfort with creamy chicken and mushroom skillet pasta. This dish combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and earthy mushrooms in a rich, velvety sauce that’s simple yet indulgent. Perfect for busy evenings, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes and requires just a few key ingredients. Elevate your dinner game and delight your family with a homemade meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate. Embrace the joy of cooking and make lasting memories around the table.

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 cups (150g) sliced mushrooms (cremini or white)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to use later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté Chicken: In a substantial skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium flame. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and generously season with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano and thyme. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate; set it aside.

      Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and the remaining oregano and thyme. Allow the mixture to sauté for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are nicely browned. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

        Make Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring to scrape the bottom with a spatula to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.

          Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently in the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece of chicken and pasta is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

            Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and savor the rich, creamy goodness of this comforting pasta dish!

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls or wide plates, allowing the creamy sauce to shine. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and add a sprig of parsley for an elegant finishing touch. Enjoy!