There’s something so comforting about a dish that brings creamy, savory flavors all in one pot. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe hits the spot with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every penne bite.

This close-up image shows a creamy pasta dish with about three layers visible: the first layer is yellow penne pasta with a smooth, slightly shiny texture; the second layer is a creamy white sauce evenly coating the pasta; the third layer includes small pieces of brown mushrooms and light brown chicken mixed into the sauce. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the top, along with a few thin strands of shredded cheese that add fine texture to the creamy surface. The entire dish sits against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of my go-tos when I want a cozy dinner without fussing over multiple pots or complicated steps. The magic of cooking everything in one pot, plus the creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce, makes this dish both practical and utterly delicious.

One-Pot Wonder: You get minimal cleanup with maximum flavor, which is a win in my book.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of evaporated milk and Parmesan cheese creates a silky sauce that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated.
Perfect Balance: The earthy mushrooms and tender chicken make each bite satisfying without being heavy.
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s ingredients harmonize to bring a perfect creamy texture with a savory punch. Each element plays a role in creating the richness and depth of flavor that keep me coming back to this dish time after time.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, a medium yellow onion chopped, four whole brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of sliced brown mushrooms, a small white ceramic bowl of dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of evaporated milk, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, uncooked penne pasta scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with dried basil, a small white ceramic bowl with salt, a small white ceramic bowl with pepper, laid out in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thigh fillets: They stay juicy and tender during cooking, adding a meaty depth that's hard to beat.
Dried basil: Just a sprinkle to enhance the herbaceous notes in the sauce without overpowering the mushrooms.
Olive oil: For searing chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding subtle fruity richness.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet base flavor that softens and blends into the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a punch of savoriness that’s fundamental here.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the creaminess—substitute with chicken broth if you prefer.
Brown mushrooms: Their earthiness makes the sauce hearty and flavorful.
Chicken broth: Serves as the cooking liquid to infuse the pasta and add savory depth.
Evaporated milk and milk: Creates the creamy sauce base that's lighter but still rich and silky.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully thanks to its ridged shape.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding salty, nutty richness and helps thicken it.
Fresh parsley: Provides a bright finish that lifts the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or how indulgent I’m feeling. You can easily make it a bit lighter or add more veggies to suit your taste.

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breast if I want a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook them—they dry out faster.
Vegetable Boost: Adding spinach or kale in the last few minutes is a great way to sneak in some greens.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream along with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a tasty dairy-free version.
Mushroom Mix-Up: Try adding cremini or shiitake mushrooms instead of brown for a slightly different earthy flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta layered with light brown cooked chicken slices scattered throughout, topped with a sprinkle of finely grated white cheese and fresh green chopped parsley, sitting on a white marbled surface. To the right of the bowl is a gold fork resting on a green cloth napkin, and to the lower left is a small white bowl with chopped green parsley. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First, I season the chicken thighs with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heating about 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat, I sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through—usually about 5-6 minutes per side. A quick trick is to let the chicken sit undisturbed in the pan so it develops a nice crust. Once done, I set the chicken aside—don’t worry, it’ll come back in later!

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Mushrooms

In the same pot, I add the remaining olive oil and toss in chopped onions and garlic. I cook them until the onions turn translucent and smell fragrant—about 2 minutes. Then, I pour in the white wine and let it simmer for around 5 minutes to reduce slightly, which intensifies the flavor. After that, sliced mushrooms join the party. I cook them for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and release their moisture.

Step 3: Simmer Together with Broth, Milk, and Pasta

Next up, in goes the chicken broth, evaporated milk, and a splash of regular milk along with salt and pepper. I bring everything up to a gentle simmer before adding the uncooked penne pasta straight to the pot. The pasta cooks right in the sauce and broth, absorbing flavors—stirring occasionally to stop pieces from sticking. This step takes about 15 minutes, and I keep a close eye so the pasta finishes perfectly al dente.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Chicken, and Parsley

Once the pasta is cooked, I stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts through, thickening the sauce beautifully. After removing the pot from heat, I let it rest for 5 minutes—this pause helps the sauce thicken just right. Finally, I slice the cooked chicken and fold it in along with a generous handful of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe a bunch of times, I've learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish and make the cooking process smoother.

Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken adds flavor and texture that'll keep the meat juicy throughout simmering.
Stir Often While Simmering: Because you’re cooking pasta right in the sauce, frequent stirring prevents clumping and ensures even cooking.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and gives a deeper flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the pasta sit off the heat so the sauce thickens naturally instead of being watery.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley and Parmesan right before serving. Sometimes, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick—it surprisingly complements the creaminess well without overpowering.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with this dish. Garlic bread is also an easy crowd-pleaser if you want to keep things classic and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving this pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of truffle oil to enhance the mushroom flavor. It’s elegant but still cozy—perfect for impressing friends without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so I recommend adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well if you want to prep ahead—just avoid freezing with the freshly chopped parsley as it can get soggy. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming it in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, and adding a little milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful to not overcook it since breasts cook faster and can dry out. Searing quickly and simmering gently helps keep it tender.

What can I substitute for evaporated milk in this recipe?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce. For a lighter alternative, whole milk works fine, but the sauce might be less thick and creamy. You can also use a dairy-free substitute like coconut milk for a different twist.

Can I prepare this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce base ahead of time and refrigerate separately. When ready to eat, reheat gently and cook the pasta fresh to avoid mushy noodles. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the whole dish after it’s made and reheat with added liquid to loosen the sauce.

What’s the best pasta shape to use for this creamy chicken mushroom dish?

Penne pasta is ideal here because its ridges and tube shape hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. You could also use rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle as good alternatives if you want a little variation.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, it delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s truly a keeper in my kitchen.