This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Penne is a rich, velvety pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight comfort or dinner parties alike. Tender chunks of chicken and earthy mushrooms are tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce and folded into perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re craving cozy carbs or impressing guests with something elegant, this pasta delivers serious satisfaction with minimal effort.
Introduction: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Comfort Food
There’s something timeless about a chicken and mushroom pasta dish. It has roots in both Italian-American cuisine and classic French cream sauces, marrying the savory umami of mushrooms with the tenderness of chicken and the creamy richness of a Parmesan-infused white sauce.
This version uses penne pasta, which holds onto the creamy sauce in every bite. It’s made in stages—starting with searing the chicken, caramelizing mushrooms, and then deglazing with broth or wine to form a simple but luxurious sauce.
It’s a meal that’s just as good served straight from the pan as it is reheated for lunch the next day.
Ingredients Overview: Breaking Down the Layers of Flavor
1. Chicken Breast or Thighs
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Lean, high-protein, and quick to cook.
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Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too when properly seared.
2. Mushrooms (Cremini or White Button)
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Sliced thinly for even caramelization.
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Mushrooms bring earthy, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
3. Penne Pasta
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The tubular shape captures sauce well.
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Can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
4. Garlic and Onion
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Classic aromatics for flavor depth.
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Garlic is sautéed until fragrant, but not browned, for a smooth finish.
5. Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half)
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The base of the sauce—thick, rich, and luscious.
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For a lighter version, use evaporated milk or whole milk with a cornstarch slurry.
6. Grated Parmesan Cheese
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Melts into the sauce, giving salty, nutty flavor.
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Use freshly grated for the best melt and taste.
7. Chicken Broth or Dry White Wine
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Adds flavor and thins the sauce.
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Wine gives a more complex edge, while broth keeps it mild and savory.
8. Fresh Parsley or Thyme
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Adds brightness and balances the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Chicken Mushroom Penne Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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10 oz penne pasta
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
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Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
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Optional garnish: more Parmesan + black pepper
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook penne until al dente (1 minute less than package directions).
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Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Mushrooms
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In the same skillet, add another tbsp of oil.
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Add mushrooms and a pinch of salt.
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Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and all moisture is released.
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Add onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan
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Pour in broth or wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
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Lower heat to medium.
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Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Combine Everything
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Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
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Add drained penne pasta and a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
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Toss to coat everything in the creamy mixture.
7. Finish & Serve
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Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
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Stir in parsley or thyme.
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Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a crack of pepper.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips for Creamy Success
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Sear chicken without crowding to keep it golden and juicy.
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Let mushrooms fully brown before adding onion—this brings out their full flavor.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as well.
Delicious Variations
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Add 2 cups baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
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Stir in ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness.
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Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut version.
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Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
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Make it spicy with ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tbsp Calabrian chili paste.
Dietary Swaps
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Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.
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Low-carb: Serve the chicken-mushroom sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
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Lighter: Swap cream for half-and-half or milk + 1 tsp cornstarch.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Serve this creamy pasta with:
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A crisp Caesar salad
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Garlic bread or herbed focaccia
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A glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Perfect for:
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Cozy weeknight dinners
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Date night at home
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Meal prep (leftovers reheat beautifully)
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Potluck gatherings or hosting friends
Nutritional & Health Notes
This dish is:
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Rich in protein and calcium
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Satisfying with balanced macronutrients
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Customizable for low-carb or gluten-free diets
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4):
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Calories: 520–580
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Protein: 35g
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Carbs: 40g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 3g
FAQ: Creamy Chicken Mushroom Penne
1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great. Add it in Step 6 after making the sauce.
2. What’s the best type of mushroom to use?
Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms have more flavor, but white button mushrooms are fine too. You can even use a mix for complexity.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
4. How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?
Don’t let the sauce boil after adding cream. Simmer gently and stir in Parmesan off the heat for best texture.
5. Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well. Instead, refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
6. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or chopped Calabrian chilis to the sauce for heat.
7. What other pasta shapes work well?
Fusilli, rigatoni, orecchiette, or farfalle all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
