Name: Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in Creamy Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (sliced into strips); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups cooked pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels luxurious and satisfying. The chicken is juicy, the mushrooms bring an earthy depth, and the creamy garlic sauce ties it all together with a touch of elegance. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when I want to impress without much effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked pasta

Directions

I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add the chicken strips and cook them until browned and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes. Then, I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. I sauté them until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes.
I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the dried thyme. I let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
I return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine it with the creamy mushroom sauce. Then, I add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.
I serve the creamy mixture over the cooked pasta, making sure to spoon extra sauce over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 20 minutes, and the total time is 30 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 480 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I use boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor. I also like switching the thyme for rosemary or adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth. For a veggie-packed version, I toss in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I can use leftover or rotisserie chicken. I add it in step 4 just to warm through.

What kind of pasta works best?

I prefer short pasta like penne or rotini, but fettuccine or spaghetti also works beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based substitute.

Can I freeze this dish?

The sauce may change texture slightly, but I can freeze it for up to a month. I reheat slowly and stir well.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

I use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken & Mushrooms in Creamy Pasta Sauce is my favorite kind of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and a dreamy garlic cream sauce, it feels like something from a restaurant, but it’s all made right at home.