Introduction
Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce—all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Ideal for cozy dinners, this dish brings the classic flavors of an Italian-style pasta without the fuss.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 250g (about 9 oz) spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms (sliced – cremini or button mushrooms work great)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian herbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
🍳 Instructions & Method
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Set pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from pan, let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Mushroom Base
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add 2 tbsp butter, then sauté onions and mushrooms until soft and golden (about 6–8 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add the Cream Sauce
- Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and thyme.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss well to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in the sliced chicken.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
✅ Tips for Success
- Cream substitution: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.
- Mushroom options: Try shiitake or wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.
- Cheese upgrade: Swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper taste.
🧾 Final Note
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti is the kind of recipe that brings everyone back for seconds. It’s creamy, savory, and full of textures—from juicy chicken to tender mushrooms and perfectly coated pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.