Here’s a rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken with White Cheddar Parmesan Penne 🍗🍝 recipe—perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner:
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Chicken & Mushrooms:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 250 g penne pasta
- Water and salt for boiling
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil penne according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms & Garlic
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter.
- Sauté mushrooms for 5 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower heat to medium.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add white cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until cheeses melt and sauce thickens slightly.
- If too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Combine Everything
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Toss in cooked penne until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.
✅ Tips:
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Mushrooms can be a mix of cremini, button, or shiitake for richer flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream at the end if the sauce thickens too much.
I can also give a one-pan version where the pasta cooks in the sauce along with the chicken and mushrooms for minimal cleanup. Do you want me to share that?
