CREAMY MUSHROOM PASTA W/ CHICKEN

When it comes to comfort food, creamy pasta dishes are hard to beat. My creamy mushroom pasta with chicken combines rich, savory flavors with a light twist, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this dish brings together tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that’s sure to satisfy.

Key Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a rich, layered flavor:

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, the chicken breast serves as the protein in this dish. I like to season it with a mix of smoked paprika, turmeric, adobo seasoning, salt, and black pepper for a burst of flavor.
• Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the chicken and mushrooms, providing a subtle richness and helping to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Coconut Milk: Instead of heavy cream, I opt for coconut milk. It creates a lighter sauce with a hint of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and chicken.
• Mushrooms: These bring an earthy depth to the dish. I like to use baby bella or cremini mushrooms for their meatier texture, but any variety will work well.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and an extra dose of nutrients. It also balances out the richness of the sauce, giving the dish a bit of brightness.
• Spaghetti Noodles: Spaghetti works as a great base for this creamy sauce. It soaks up all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
• Chicken Broth: This is used to thin out the sauce and deepen the savory flavor. It’s especially helpful in keeping the pasta moist without needing to add extra cream.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this creamy mushroom pasta with chicken is how versatile it is. You can easily make substitutions based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier cut of meat, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast.
• Dairy-Free Option: For those who avoid dairy, you can skip the parmesan cheese entirely, or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Heavy Cream or Almond Milk: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use heavy cream for a more traditional creamy pasta or almond milk for a lighter, plant-based option.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap out the spaghetti noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Other Greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, kale or arugula would make excellent substitutes, adding different textures and flavors.

This creamy mushroom pasta with chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and the best part is that you can tailor it to fit your own tastes. The combination of creamy coconut milk, sautéed mushrooms, and seasoned chicken makes for a delightful, comforting meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Print Recipe

CREAMY MUSHROOM PASTA W/ CHICKEN

Author: Lisa Cooking Method: Sautéing Cuisine: American Courses: Cozy Meals, Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep Recipe Keys: American

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This creamy mushroom pasta with chicken combines rich, savory flavors with a light twist, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you're craving something cozy or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this dish brings together tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that's sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Servings

Chicken

• 3 chicken breast
• 2 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ tsp smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric
• ¹⁄₄ tsp oregano

Mushroom Pasta

• ¹⁄₂ onion (sliced)
• ¹⁄₂ tbsp minced garlic
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup spinach

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper

Instructions

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The Chicken

1. Preparing the chicken

   Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and add in a little bit more olive oil. Add in sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped peppers into the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes.  

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2. Cooking the chicken

   Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth and let it come to a simmer. After it begins to simmer, add in sliced mushrooms. 

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The Mushroom Pasta

1. Making the Cream Sauce

   Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and add in a little bit more olive oil. Add in sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped peppers into the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes. Then pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth and let it come to a simmer.
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2. Once it begins simmering, add in sliced mushrooms and let them cook for another 4 minutes. Then add in the spinach.
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Boiling Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, boil water in a pot to cook the pasta. Boil the pasta for 9 minutes or until it is slightly al dente.  

   Make sure to save some pasta water
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Assembling the Pasta

1. Add in pasta noodles into the sauce and also shred in parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too watery, pour in a little of the pasta water to thicken. 

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2. Plate the pasta and layer with the cooked chicken making sure to slice into bite sized pieces. Top with more parmesan cheese and red chili flakes. 

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Keywords: chicken, mushroom, pasta, creamy