There's just something wonderfully cozy about a dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a silky sauce all tossed into one pot. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe is exactly that—a comforting, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe has won a special spot in my weekly rotation. It's comfort food made simple and elegant, with flavors that effortlessly blend together.
- One-Pot Wonder: You cook everything in a single pot—less mess, less cleaning, more enjoying.
- Rich Creamy Sauce: The combination of evaporated milk and parmesan gives a luscious texture that's not too heavy.
- Flavorful Chicken & Mushrooms: Searing the chicken creates a golden crust, while mushrooms add earthiness and depth.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in about an hour, it’s great to have on the table when you want a hearty home-cooked meal fast.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe plays an important role in building delicious layers of flavor without complicating the process. Choosing fresh mushrooms and quality broth really makes a difference.
- Chicken thigh fillets: These give you juicy, tender meat that browns beautifully and stays moist during simmering.
- Dried basil: Adds herbal warmth that pairs perfectly with mushrooms and creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, it helps brown the chicken and soften the onions without overpowering flavors.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base when cooked down.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, but if you want, chicken stock works fine too.
- Brown mushrooms: Earthy, hearty, and soaking up the flavors from the wine and broth.
- Chicken broth: This is your flavor backbone and liquid for the pasta to cook in.
- Evaporated milk & milk: Create that silky, creamy sauce without the heaviness of cream.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning perfectly at different stages to balance flavors.
- Penne pasta: Holds sauce nicely and cooks al dente directly in the pot.
- Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy, nutty finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: A bright pop of color and freshness to garnish.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is like a blank canvas. I love switching up the mushrooms or adding a bit of heat with red pepper flakes. You can easily tailor it to what’s in your pantry or your mood.
- Variation: I once swapped out penne for rotini and stirred in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens—it didn’t disappoint.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and skip the parmesan to suit dietary needs.
- Extra Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini along with the mushrooms for added freshness and color.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First, I season the chicken thigh fillets with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in my large pot, I sear the chicken over medium-high heat until each side is golden brown and cooked through. Getting that nice crust is key—it locks in juices and adds flavor. Once done, I set the chicken aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Deglaze
In the same pot, I add the remaining olive oil. Then, in go the chopped onion and garlic. I stir them around about 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Now, I pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if avoiding alcohol) and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This step deglazes the pan and adds extra flavor depth.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Add Liquids
I toss in the sliced brown mushrooms next, cooking them about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally so they soften and absorb those lovely savory notes. Then comes the chicken broth followed by evaporated milk and regular milk, plus some salt and pepper for extra seasoning. I bring everything to a gentle simmer, setting the stage for the pasta to cook right in the pot.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer Until Perfect
Next up, I add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. It usually takes around 15 minutes for the pasta to cook to that perfect al dente texture, soaking up all the flavors around it. This is the magic of the one-pot method—everything cooks in harmony.
Step 5: Melt in Cheese and Rest
Once the pasta is tender, I stir in the freshly grated parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce. At this point, I remove the pot from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This wait helps the sauce thicken up nicely and become luxuriously creamy.
Step 6: Slice Chicken and Combine
I slice the seared chicken into strips and gently fold them back into the pasta. A final toss makes sure every bite gets that lovely chicken flavor combined with the creamy mushroom sauce. Garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan finishes it beautifully.
Top Tip
My personal secret to nailing this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe every time is in the timing and layering flavors carefully. I’ve learned that rushing the sear or skipping the simmer on the wine can make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Searing Chicken Properly: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding chicken to avoid soggy skin and to lock in juiciness.
- Simmering Wine Slowly: Let the wine reduce well to cut any harsh alcohol notes and concentrate flavor.
- Stir Pasta Gently: Frequent stirring prevents the pasta from sticking but don’t over-stir to keep it intact.
- Rest the Sauce: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes lets the sauce thicken perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley—it brightens the dish beautifully and adds that fresh, herbaceous note. A bit of extra parmesan on top never hurts, especially if you’re a cheese lover like me.
Side Dishes
Simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad complement this creamy pasta nicely. Sometimes, I throw together a quick arugula salad dressed in lemon to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like serving this pasta in warm bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers. It instantly elevates the look and makes the whole experience feel fancy without extra fuss in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the sauce thickens up, so a splash of milk when reheating brings back that creamy consistency.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times, preferably before adding the parmesan. Freezing helps preserve the texture, and you can add fresh cheese when reheating. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheating gently on the stove with a bit of milk or broth stirred in works best for me, as microwave reheating tends to dry the sauce out. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to warm evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and are less likely to dry out during cooking. If using breasts, watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
No worries! You can swap white wine for extra chicken broth. It won’t add the exact same depth but still works well to deglaze the pan and build flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap evaporated milk for a plant-based alternative like oat or cashew milk. Skip the parmesan or use vegan cheese.
Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite when you chew. Start checking the pasta a few minutes before the package suggests; taste a piece to see if it’s tender but firm in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe really represents comfort without compromise for me. It’s the kind of meal that feels special, yet is easy enough for a weeknight. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it handy for those busy days when you need something warm, filling, and utterly delicious.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender seared chicken thigh fillets cooked with garlic, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese in a rich, creamy sauce with penne pasta. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thigh fillets (boneless skinless)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to season)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (to season)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 8 ounces brown mushrooms (sliced)
Liquids & Dairy
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (or chicken stock/broth)
- 1 quart chicken broth (or stock)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (can)
- ⅓ cup milk
Seasoning & Pasta
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
- 10 ounces uncooked penne pasta (just over 4 cups)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown, cooked through, and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Fry the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes transparent, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze and Cook Mushrooms: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes until it begins to reduce. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broth, Milk and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, evaporated milk, and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 15 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and mix through the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy mushroom chicken pasta.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat and quicker cooking.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute milk with heavy cream instead of evaporated milk.
- Dry white wine adds depth but can be replaced with extra chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Stir the pasta regularly while simmering to prevent sticking to the pot.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Allowing the pasta to rest off heat helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1187 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 104 mg
Leave a Reply