Amazing Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne 40 Min

You know, there are some meals that just wrap you up in a hug, and this creamy mushroom chicken penne is absolutely one of them. It’s got that perfect balance of cozy comfort food and just enough elegance to make you feel like you’re having a special night, even if it’s just a Tuesday. When I close my eyes, I can almost smell it bubbling away on Grandma’s stove – she used to make a version of this when we’d have long Sunday dinners after church, and the aroma filled the whole house. It’s rich, it’s satisfying, and honestly, it comes together so easily, which is a lifesaver on those nights when dinner feels like a marathon instead of your favorite race.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

• Super Easy: Seriously, even if you’re having one of *those* kitchen days, this comes together without a fuss.
• Pure Comfort: It’s that perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness that just makes everything feel better.
• Weeknight Warrior: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want something delicious.
• Packed with Flavor: Rich mushrooms, tender chicken, and that luscious sauce create a taste sensation you won’t forget.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish. Trust me, these are the stars of the show!

• 1 tablespoon good olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 8 oz penne pasta – just enough for a generous serving for everyone!
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (they get so tender and meaty!)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped up fine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth – for that little bit of zing
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (this is the secret to that luxurious sauce!)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (because you can never have too much Parm!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for dusting on top at the end

Essential Equipment for Your Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Alright, let’s talk tools! To make this wonderful creamy mushroom chicken penne, you’ll want to have a few things handy. Grab a large skillet or a Dutch oven – this is where all the magic happens. You’ll also need a big pot for boiling your penne pasta. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons, a good knife and cutting board for prepping everything, and maybe a colander for draining that pasta. Having these ready makes the whole cooking process so much smoother!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Alright, let’s get this delicious creamy mushroom chicken penne on the table! It’s really not complicated, just a few fun steps. You’ve got this!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s handle that chicken. Get your big skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. While it’s heating up, give your chicken cubes a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pop that chicken in and let it get a lovely brown sear on all sides – we want it cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If you want to see some other great ways to cook chicken breasts, check out some other simple chicken breast recipes. Once it’s ready, take it out and set it aside on a plate. Don’t you worry, it’ll be back for the grand finale!

Cooking the Penne Pasta

Now, while the chicken is doing its thing or resting, get a big pot of water boiling for your penne. A good pinch of salt in the water makes the pasta taste so much better, trust me. Cook the penne according to the box directions until it’s *al dente* – that means it still has a little bite to it, not mushy. Before you drain it, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This stuff is liquid gold for making sauces perfect!

Sautéing the Mushrooms and Aromatics

Back to that skillet you cooked the chicken in – no need to wash it! Melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and let them hang out, stirring now and then, until they’re nice and soft and starting to get a little golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add your chopped onion and cook until it’s see-through and smells wonderful, another 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute until it’s fragrant. Oh, that smell!

Building the Creamy Sauce

This is where the magic really starts. Pour that white wine (or broth, if you’re using that) into the skillet. Scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom – that’s where all the flavor is hiding! Let it simmer for a minute or two so it reduces a bit. Now, stir in the chicken broth, and bring it all up to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and pour in that luscious heavy cream. Add the rest of your salt and pepper. Let it bubble away softly for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up beautifully. For another fantastic pasta sauce idea, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a real winner for quick weeknights!

Combining Everything for the Perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Almost there! Bring that cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Now add your drained penne pasta. Stir everything gently to coat every single piece of pasta and chicken in that glorious creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s all melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. If it looks a little too thick for your liking, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water you saved – it’ll loosen it right up to perfection. Keep stirring until you get that creamy texture we’re all dreaming of.

Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Alright, let’s talk about taking this creamy mushroom chicken penne from good to absolutely unforgettable! My Grandma always said a little extra love goes a long way, and I find that extra true with this dish. First off, don’t skimp on browning your mushrooms! That beautiful golden-brown color brings out their nutty, earthy flavor, which is key to that deep taste. Also, when you’re adding the Parmesan, stir it in off the heat. This stops it from getting oily and keeps your sauce wonderfully smooth. If you’re looking for more yummy creamy mushroom chicken ideas, this one’s a keeper!

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

This rich creamy mushroom chicken penne is so satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a full-on feast! A crisp Caesar salad is always a good choice to cut through the creaminess. And who can resist some warm, crusty garlic bread rolls for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce? A side of steamed green beans or broccoli also adds a nice pop of green!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Got some of this dreamy creamy mushroom chicken penne left? Lucky you! Let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for about 3 days. Freezing isn’t my top recommendation for pasta with cream sauce since the texture can change a little, but if you must, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, maybe with a little splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back up. Microwaving works too, just stir it halfway through so it heats evenly!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne

Got questions about this delicious dish? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this creamy mushroom chicken penne ahead of time?

You can totally cook the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time, but it’s best to finish the sauce and pasta just before serving for that perfect creamy texture.

What kind of mushrooms are best for this creamy chicken pasta recipe?

Cremini mushrooms are my go-to because they have a lovely earthy flavor and great texture when sautéed. But honestly, shiitake or even a mix of your favorites work wonderfully!

How can I make this a one-pot creamy chicken pasta dish?

You can definitely adapt this! Cook the chicken separately first, then sauté your veggies in the same pot. Add the pasta, broth, and cream, then let it all cook together. It’s a bit trickier to get the pasta *just* right, but it’s totally doable, like with this one-pan magic!

Can I substitute the chicken for another protein in this simple creamy chicken dish?

Absolutely! Shrimp cooks super fast and is fantastic here. You could also use thinly sliced pork tenderloin, or even some Italian sausage removed from its casing.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but based on the ingredients for this creamy mushroom chicken penne, here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving. Remember, these are just estimates, and the exact numbers can change depending on the brands you use and how you measure things! We’re looking at roughly 650 calories, about 35g of fat (with around 18g being saturated), and a good 35g of protein. Plus, about 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!

Print