Garlic-Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti in Cream Sauce
From the first twirl of your fork, this Garlic-Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti in Cream Sauce promises comfort in every bite. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy sauce come together to create a dish that feels like it’s been simmering in the heart of an Italian kitchen all day. The aroma of garlic mingling with parmesan will make your kitchen smell like heaven long before it’s ready, and trust me, you’re going to love this.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe was born from my love for cozy weeknight dinners that feel like weekend indulgences. I wanted something that would feel both comforting and a little bit special, the kind of dish you’d be just as happy making for yourself on a Tuesday as you would serving to guests on a Saturday night. The creamy garlic sauce came from a fond memory of my grandmother’s Alfredo, but with the addition of mushrooms for depth and chicken for heartiness.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
While creamy pasta dishes are a hallmark of Italian-American cuisine, pairing chicken and mushrooms with garlic-parmesan cream sauce is a delightful evolution that reflects both comfort food tradition and creative home cooking. Spaghetti itself traces back to Italy, but the generous, creamy sauce is more of an American adaptation — perfect for anyone who loves the richness of a classic Alfredo but craves extra savory notes.
Why You’ll Love Garlic-Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti in Cream Sauce
Versatile: Works beautifully for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable proteins.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour without complicated steps.
Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp or add spinach for a fresh touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy pasta is universally loved by adults and kids alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats well and makes an even richer flavor the next day.
Garlic-Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti in Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce come together with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting, indulgent pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Place a large pot of salted water on the stove for pasta and a large skillet over medium-high heat for the chicken.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in heavy cream. Let simmer gently.
- Add parmesan and stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, then transfer to the sauce along with chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, mushroom spaghetti, creamy pasta, chicken pasta recipe, weeknight dinner
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Start by seasoning your chicken generously — the foundation of flavor begins here.
Slice your mushrooms evenly so they cook uniformly.
Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Grate your own parmesan for a creamier, more luxurious melt.
Let the sauce simmer gently rather than boil to prevent curdling.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Large Skillet: For searing chicken and sautéing mushrooms.
Large Pot: To cook the spaghetti to al dente perfection.
Wooden Spoon: Gentle on non-stick surfaces and perfect for stirring sauce.
Colander: To drain pasta quickly while keeping a bit of water for the sauce.
Chef’s Knife: For precise slicing of chicken and mushrooms.
Ingredients in Garlic-Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Spaghetti in Cream Sauce
The beauty of this dish lies in how each ingredient plays a role in creating a harmonious, creamy, and deeply flavorful experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken: Use turkey breast or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: Swap for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Spaghetti: Fettuccine or linguine for a heartier bite.
Mushrooms: Try cremini or portobello for a deeper earthiness.
Ingredient Spotlight
Garlic: A flavor powerhouse that infuses the sauce with a warm, savory base.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty depth and thickens the sauce naturally.
