There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy pasta. Whether it’s a cozy fall evening when the air turns crisp, a family gathering where you need a hearty dish to share, or simply a weeknight when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, One Pot Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta always delivers. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent flavors and easy preparation, making it a favorite for busy home cooks and pasta lovers alike.
The inspiration behind this dish comes from the classic pairing of chicken and mushrooms, a duo loved across many cuisines. With the richness of a silky cream sauce and the earthy depth of mushrooms, this meal brings comfort with every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity—everything comes together in a single pot, saving you time and cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One Pot Convenience: Forget juggling multiple pans and washing a pile of dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, from browning the chicken to simmering the pasta.
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Rich, Creamy Flavor: A luscious sauce coats every bite of pasta, while mushrooms add a savory depth that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
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Weeknight Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy evenings when you need something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy pasta dishes are universally loved, making this recipe perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even casual entertaining.
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Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs without losing the essence of the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious one-pot pasta, you’ll need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless, skinless): The main protein, tender and juicy when cooked.
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Mushrooms (cremini or button): Provide earthy, umami flavor that enhances the creaminess of the dish.
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Garlic & Onion: Build a savory flavor base.
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Olive Oil & Butter: Add richness and help sauté the aromatics and chicken.
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Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
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Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
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Uncooked Pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle): Cooks directly in the pot, absorbing all the flavors.
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Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat).
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Fresh Parsley: Brightens the final dish with color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
The foundation of this recipe begins with careful preparation. Start by trimming and cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. This not only ensures that the chicken cooks evenly but also makes the dish easier to enjoy once it’s ready. Lightly season the pieces with salt and black pepper, allowing the flavors to penetrate while you prep the other ingredients. Next, turn your attention to the vegetables. Slice the mushrooms evenly so that each piece cooks at the same rate and releases its earthy, umami flavor consistently. Dice the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic until fine—these aromatics will form the base of your creamy sauce. Taking a few minutes to organize and prepare everything before turning on the stove makes the cooking process smoother and stress-free.
2. Brown the Chicken
Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a small pat of butter to create a flavorful cooking base. Once the oil is shimmering, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the pot. Avoid crowding the pan; this allows the chicken to brown beautifully rather than steam. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes before stirring, which helps build a golden crust. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, turning the pieces until all sides are golden brown. At this stage, the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked—it will finish cooking later as the pasta simmers. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside, leaving the flavorful juices behind in the pot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Using the same pot, add the diced onion to the remaining butter and oil mixture. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, releasing its rich aroma without letting it burn. Then add the sliced mushrooms. Spread them out evenly across the pan and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This helps them release their moisture and develop a golden-brown edge. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are tender and most of their liquid has evaporated, about 5–6 minutes. The combination of onions, garlic, and mushrooms creates a savory base that will enrich the creamy sauce later.
4. Deglaze and Add Liquids
Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom, as these carry concentrated flavor. Stir well to combine. Next, pour in the heavy cream, creating a velvety liquid that will eventually coat every piece of pasta. At this stage, season the mixture with dried thyme, freshly cracked pepper, and, if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. The aroma will instantly become richer, hinting at the creamy goodness to come.
5. Add Pasta and Simmer
With the sauce base bubbling gently, add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Stir well to make sure the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. Return the browned chicken pieces along with any juices on the plate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12–15 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the broth and cream, while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. By the end of this step, the pasta should be perfectly al dente, and the sauce rich and creamy.
6. Finish with Cheese and Garnish
The final step transforms the dish into something truly irresistible. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding nutty depth and extra creaminess. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This not only brightens the flavors but also adds a pop of color to the dish. Serve hot, straight from the pot, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table.
Tips for Success
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Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells work best since they hold the sauce well.
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Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Allow mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a golden color for the best flavor.
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Stir Occasionally: To prevent pasta from sticking together, stir every few minutes while it cooks.
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Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
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Add Greens: Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Variations to Try
This one-pot wonder is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes.
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Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and use extra mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
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Herb-Infused: Swap thyme for rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning for a new flavor profile.
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Cheese Upgrade: Try Asiago, Gruyère, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer, cheesier finish.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili paste if you enjoy heat.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, here are some excellent pairing ideas:
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp side balances the richness of the pasta.
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Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make great accompaniments.
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Light Soup Starter: A bowl of tomato basil soup complements the creamy pasta flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Make-Ahead
You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply follow the recipe steps.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwave reheating works as well, though stirring halfway ensures even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you absolutely can. While short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, shells, or farfalle are recommended because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well, you’re not limited to them. If you prefer long noodles such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, they can work too. Just remember that longer pasta has a tendency to stick together when cooked in one pot, so you’ll need to stir a bit more frequently to prevent clumping. You may also need to add an extra splash of broth or water since thin noodles tend to absorb liquid more quickly. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used, though the cooking time might vary. The key is to keep an eye on the pot and taste for doneness.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! One of the best parts of this recipe is its flexibility. To make it dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream, which provides a similar richness and silky texture. While coconut cream will add a slightly different flavor profile, the garlic, mushrooms, and herbs balance it beautifully. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast, which gives a nutty, cheesy flavor without any dairy. There are also many excellent plant-based Parmesan or mozzarella-style cheeses available in grocery stores that melt well into creamy pasta dishes. If you’re going this route, consider adding an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the coconut cream.
3. Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based pastas can be tricky when it comes to freezing because dairy tends to separate after thawing. While you can freeze this dish, the sauce may not be as smooth when reheated. If you want to try, the best approach is to slightly undercook the pasta before freezing. This way, it won’t turn mushy when you reheat it. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat and stir in a splash of cream or milk to help the sauce come back together. While the texture may not be identical to freshly made, the flavor will still be delicious.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy nights. Since the chicken is already cooked, you don’t need to brown it at the start. Simply prepare the pasta and mushroom base as directed, then shred the rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This gives the chicken time to warm through and soak up some of the creamy sauce without overcooking. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers and reduce prep time, making the recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
