One-Pot Mushroom Chicken Pasta

The Magic of One Pot

I love a one pan pasta recipe. You just use one pot. That means less washing up. I still laugh at that. My grandson calls it “grandma’s lazy dinner.” But it is smart, not lazy. This one-pot chicken and mushroom pasta is my favorite for busy nights.

Why does this matter? It brings everyone to the table faster. You are not stuck cleaning. You get to sit and talk. That is the real goal of an easy weeknight dinner. Tell me, what is your favorite one-pot meal to make?

Chicken and Mushroom, Old Friends

Chicken and mushroom are like best friends. They just belong together. Browning the chicken first gives it a nice flavor. Then the mushrooms soak up all those tasty bits in the pot. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I use cremini mushrooms. They have a deeper, earthier taste.

This combo is the heart of many comfort food pasta dishes. It feels like a hug in a bowl. *Fun fact: cremini mushrooms are just young portobellos!* If you love this pair, you might also enjoy a cozy skillet chicken marsala.

The Creamy Dreamy Sauce

The sauce for this creamy chicken pasta recipe is simple. Broth, cream, and parmesan make it rich. The pasta cooks right in it. This is the secret. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce. It becomes silky and clings to every piece.

Why does this matter? Cooking the pasta in the sauce means every bite is full of flavor. No bland noodles here. This method makes the best creamy parmesan pasta. Do you prefer creamy or tomato-based pasta sauces?

Spinach, The Quiet Hero

Now, about the spinach. You just stir it in at the end. It wilts down in the hot pasta. It adds a lovely green color and a little goodness. I love sneaking greens into a meal. My kids never complained when they were hidden in this quick family dinner.

It makes the dish feel complete. You get your protein, veg, and carbs all together. This chicken and mushroom farfalle is a whole meal. For another dish that hides greens well, try a creamy mushroom risotto.

Your Turn to Cook

This easy chicken pasta is so forgiving. No pasta? Use what you have. You can use another mushroom for your cremini mushroom pasta. The goal is a warm, filling meal. I once used penne instead of farfalle. It was just as good.

What will you add to make it your own? Maybe some peas? Share your idea with me. If you enjoy rich mushroom flavors, a beef and mushroom stroganoff is another great option for your recipe box.

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: Heat your oil in a big pot. Add your cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it until it’s golden and no longer pink. Set it aside on a plate. This easy weeknight dinner starts just right.

Step 2: Now, add your diced onion to that same pot. Let it get soft and sweet. Then, toss in your lovely cremini mushrooms and minced garlic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the heart of this creamy chicken pasta recipe.

Step 3: Sprinkle in the thyme and paprika. Stir it all together. Pour in your broth and cream, then bring it to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta straight into the pot. (Stir often so your one pan pasta recipe doesn’t stick!)

Step 4: Let the pasta cook until it’s tender. Now, add the spinach and the chicken back in. Stir until the spinach wilts. What else makes a comfort food pasta so rich? Share below!

Step 5: Turn off the heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Your one-pot chicken and mushroom pasta is done! I love how this creamy parmesan pasta brings everyone to the table.

Creative Twists

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This chicken and mushroom farfalle is a full meal. But a simple green salad on the side is perfect. Some crusty bread for dipping into the cremini mushroom pasta sauce is a must. You could also top each bowl with extra fresh parsley. It’s the best quick family dinner with very little fuss. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Pasta Perfect

This creamy chicken pasta recipe makes a wonderful quick family dinner. But what about leftovers? Let me share my tips. This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for three days. Just store it in a sealed container. The flavors get even friendlier overnight.

You can also freeze it for a future easy weeknight dinner. Portion it into meal-sized containers before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. This keeps your comfort food pasta creamy and delicious.

I remember my first time batch-cooking a pasta like this. I was so proud to have meals ready for my busy week. It matters because it turns cooking from a chore into a gift for your future self. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Even the best cooks face little problems. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. The pasta will soak up more liquid. I once added the pasta too early and my sauce was runny. A few extra minutes of gentle bubbling fixed it right up.

Second, if your chicken is dry, you might have cooked it too long initially. Cutting it into even cubes helps it cook perfectly. Third, if your cremini mushroom pasta tastes bland, don’t forget to season each layer. Salt the chicken, then the veggies. This builds flavor from the bottom up.

Getting these small things right matters. It builds your confidence in the kitchen. It also makes sure every bite of your one pan pasta recipe is full of flavor. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Which mushroom is best for creamy pasta?

Cremini mushrooms are the best choice for a creamy parmesan pasta. They have a rich, earthy flavor that holds up beautifully in cream sauces. Their firm texture means they won’t get mushy. They soak up all the delicious flavors from the garlic, thyme, and broth. This makes your chicken and mushroom farfalle deeply satisfying.

What mushroom tastes most like chicken?

While no mushroom tastes exactly like chicken, portobello mushrooms come closest. They have a hearty, meaty texture and a savory umami flavor. When cooked, they become very substantial and filling. This makes them a fantastic option for vegetarian versions of hearty dishes. Their large caps can even be grilled like a chicken breast.

Which type of mushroom is best for cooking?

Cremini mushrooms are one of the best all-around mushrooms for cooking. They are versatile, affordable, and easy to find. They brown nicely and add great depth to sauces, soups, and sautés. Their flavor is stronger than white button mushrooms but not as intense as wild mushrooms. This makes them perfect for an easy chicken pasta.

What mushroom cooks like chicken?

King oyster mushrooms have a texture that can mimic shredded chicken when cooked. You can pull them apart with a fork into stringy, tender pieces. They are excellent in stir-fries, stews, and pasta dishes. Sautéing them until golden brown brings out their best qualities. They are a wonderful plant-based option for adding a satisfying bite to your meals.

Which mushroom is best for sauce?

For a rich, flavorful sauce, cremini mushrooms are again the winner. They release a wonderful savory liquid as they cook. This liquid becomes the base of a delicious sauce. Their earthy taste pairs perfectly with cream, butter, and herbs. *Fun fact: Cremini mushrooms are just mature white button mushrooms!* They give your sauce a more complex flavor.

Which mushroom is often found in Italian pasta dishes?

Porcini mushrooms are a classic in many Italian pasta dishes. They have a strong, nutty flavor that is highly prized. Dried porcini are very common and pack a powerful punch. You soak them in warm water to use. Their intense flavor makes a little go a long way in risottos and creamy sauces.

Which tip will you try first?

Until Next Time, Dear Cook

I hope you love making this one-pot chicken and mushroom pasta as much as I do. It truly is a lifesaver on busy nights. My kitchen is always open for more stories and shared meals. I would love to hear about your cooking adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Did your family enjoy it? Did you add your own special twist? I read every single note you leave. Thank you for spending this time cooking with me.

Happy cooking!

—Elowen Thorn

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet Pasta

Author: Elowen Thorn Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:American Italian Courses:Dinner Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: Total time: 40 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:680 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

A rich and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ lb chicken breast (750 g), cubed
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cremini mushroom (150 g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth (960 mL)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 mL)
• 1 lb farfalle pasta (500 g)
• 5 oz spinach (150 g)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (110 g)

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add chicken, salt and pepper, and brown – make sure to cook through. Set chicken aside.
2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the onion into the pot and stir. Cook down for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic, and stir to incorporate with the onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste as well as thyme and paprika. Stir to evenly season.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot and stir. Bring to a boil, then add the farfalle pasta.
5. Cook according to package instructions, being sure to stir every 1-2 minutes to keep the pasta from clumping together. (Cook time may be a little longer in this recipe than when the pasta is boiled in water.)
6. When the farfalle pasta is al dente, add the spinach and chicken and stir until the spinach cooks down and incorporates.
7. Add parmesan and stir until it’s well-incorporated and you’re left with a smooth sauce.
8. Top off with extra parmesan and serve.
9. Enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

Keywords:Chicken, Mushroom, Pasta, Creamy, One-Pot, Skillet