This Chicken Mushroom Pasta is a creamy and hearty dish that’s super easy to make! With tender chicken and flavorful mushrooms, it’s a comforting meal for any night.
You can whip this up in no time, perfect for when you’re hungry but don’t want to spend all evening cooking. I often pair it with a light salad on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle gives a nice look and texture in this dish, but you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have at home.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are versatile. You can replace them with thigh fillets for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add richness, but button mushrooms work just as well. You can also try shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor.
Heavy cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
Bacon: It’s optional, but it adds great flavor. You can use turkey bacon or omit it altogether if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian dish.
How Do You Get Perfectly Sautéed Mushrooms?
Sautéing mushrooms correctly will give your dish a big boost of flavor. The key is to cook them until they’re browned, which brings out their natural umami taste.
- Start by adding them to a hot skillet without overcrowding; this allows moisture to evaporate.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown. If they release a lot of liquid, let that cook off.
For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of salt early on, as it helps draw out moisture. Happy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 227g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (about 225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Add Bacon (if using):
If you decided to use bacon, add the chopped pieces to the skillet now. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then remove it from the skillet and drain it on paper towels for later.
4. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the diced onions (if using) until they are translucent, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Garlic:
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant.
6. Make the Sauce:
Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
7. Add Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir until it thickens slightly, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken (and bacon if you used it) back to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy mushroom sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything to combine and heat through.
9. Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times and requirements.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth works great as an alternative to deglaze the skillet. It will still give your sauce good flavor without the alcohol.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon. You can substitute the chicken with a hearty vegetable like zucchini or asparagus and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to enhance the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s consistency and warm it on the stove over low heat.