Are you in the mood for something creamy, comforting, and yet easy to whip up for lunch? Look no further than this delicious Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta recipe! Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a delightful meal for the whole family, this dish promises to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Best of all, you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off. Here’s how to create a scrumptious lunch affair in simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti works well)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the instructions on the package. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be cooked through but still have a bit of a bite to it. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside. A little tip here – save a cup of pasta water for later, just in case you need to thin out the sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, you can move on to preparing the chicken. Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is nicely golden and cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add your sliced mushrooms and a bit of salt. The mushrooms will release water, so keep cooking them until all the water evaporates and they start to brown, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
With your veggies nicely sautéed, it’s time to turn them into a luxurious creamy sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes until it slightly thickens. Now, add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts beautifully into the sauce. Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine Everything:
Now that your sauce is ready, add back the cooked chicken and then toss in the pasta. Gently mix everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in your creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, this is the time to add a bit of your reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
Transfer your creamy chicken and mushroom pasta to a serving dish or plate individually. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for that burst of color and freshness. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top as well.
7. Enjoy:
Your delicious and heartwarming lunch is ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re tucking in at your dining table or enjoying this comforting meal during a lunch break, it’s bound to fill you with warmth and satisfaction.
Creating a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta for lunch doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these straightforward steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It’s a perfect recipe for when you want something rich and fulfilling without the hassle. So, give it a try and watch it become a lunchtime favorite!
Bon Appétit!
