Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne
If you’re craving a comforting, rich dinner that comes together effortlessly, then Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual entertaining. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply looking for a new twist on chicken dinner, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your repertoire.
Why It’s My Go-To
What makes this recipe my go-to is its incredible balance of simplicity and flavor. The sauce is creamy and garlicky without being overpowering, allowing the mushrooms and chicken to shine. It’s also versatile—easy to customize with your favorite herbs or veggies, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. The penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is just as satisfying as the last. I also love how it uses pantry staples with fresh ingredients, so there’s minimal prep and maximum taste. If you enjoy dishes like Creamy Roasted Garlic Alfredo Pasta, this will quickly become a new favorite.
Ingredient Checklist
- 8 ounces penne pasta – the perfect shape for holding sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and adding depth of flavor.
- 1 pound chicken breast, chopped – tender and juicy protein.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – add earthiness and texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – key for that aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream – creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth – balances the cream with savory depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for umami and creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – adds freshness and color.
Setup & Equipment
- Large pot – for boiling the penne pasta.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the chicken, mushrooms, and sauce.
- Colander – to drain the pasta.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir the sauce without scratching your pan.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne Made Stepwise
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken breast pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Combine
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together. Add the drained penne pasta to the pan and toss to coat fully in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Make It Diet-Friendly
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a low-fat cream alternative to reduce calories.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea penne pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Replace chicken breast with turkey breast for a leaner protein option.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to boost volume and vitamins without adding many calories.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
- Overcooked chicken: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces and cook over medium-high heat to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
- Mushrooms soggy or rubbery: Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper browning.
- Sauce too thin or too thick: Simmer sauce gently to thicken; use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
- Garlic burning and turning bitter: Add minced garlic after mushrooms have softened and cook only briefly to prevent bitterness.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
This dish tastes fantastic the next day and reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
Reader Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Is it okay to use pre-sliced mushrooms or fresh ones only?
Pre-sliced mushrooms are a convenient option and work fine. Just make sure to sauté them well to evaporate any excess moisture, which ensures you get that nice caramelization and flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture and flavor.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this meal?
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement this creamy pasta nicely. You might also enjoy it alongside Mushroom Thyme Pearl Couscous Pilaf for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Don’t Miss These
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake – another creamy chicken delight with a veggie twist.
- Mushroom Thyme Pearl Couscous Pilaf – a fragrant, savory side that pairs well with chicken dishes.
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Alfredo Pasta – for when you want a garlic-infused pasta experience.
Let’s Eat
Now that you have this delightful Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne recipe in your toolkit, dinner just got a whole lot tastier. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings, warms the soul, and impresses without stress. Whether a family night or a special treat for yourself, this creamy pasta with tender chicken and savory mushrooms hits all the right notes. Grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy every last creamy bite!
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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken breast pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together. Add the drained penne pasta to the pan and toss to coat fully in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with added broth or milk.
