Delicious Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Mushrooms

Creamy pasta dishes always seem to be a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. One popular keyword related to this type of recipe is "creamy chicken pasta." This article will provide you with an easy, tasty, and delicious recipe for creamy chicken pasta that’s perfect for the whole family.

Before we dive into the ingredients needed, let's talk about why this dish is so appealing. Creamy chicken pasta offers a satisfying blend of flavors that cater to both adults and children alike. The creaminess from the sauce adds richness to every bite, while the tender chunks of chicken and mushrooms provide texture and nutrition.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, including preparation and assembly. It serves four people generously. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of penne pasta
• 1/2 cup (65g) of heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (90g) sliced mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing

Cooking Directions:

1. Boil water in a large pot. Add the salt and penne pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well once done and set aside.
2. In another medium-sized saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Then add garlic cloves and continue cooking for another minute, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
3. Add chicken pieces into the pan; stir occasionally while letting them cook through, approximately 6-7 minutes total time on low-medium heat. Remove from stove when fully cooked.
4. Return pasta to pot. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Once the sauce is ready, mix the chicken back into the pasta along with the mushrooms. Toss everything together thoroughly before serving hot. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over each portion if desired.

Tips for Success:

• To ensure even cooking of the chicken, consider marinating it in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper overnight. This not only flavors the meat but also prevents drying out during cooking.
• For extra creaminess without using heavy cream, you could add half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk blended with nutritional yeast if desired.
• If you have leftover chicken, consider freezing some pieces before starting on this recipe. This way, you always have the base ingredient ready for future dishes too!

Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken pasta! It's not only comforting but also quite versatile. You can add various toppings such as fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra umami kick.

Remember that cooking time and serving size are important factors to consider when preparing any meal. By following the steps outlined above carefully, you'll be able to prepare this delightful dish with confidence. Whether it's a busy weekday evening or a casual family dinner night, creamy chicken pasta is sure to please all around the table.

If you’re looking for variations of this recipe, consider experimenting with different types of pasta such as fusilli or spirals instead of penne, adding different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even incorporating seafood like shrimp or scallops. The possibilities are endless!