There’s something incredibly comforting about pasta swirled in a rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe brings all those cozy flavors together in one pot, making it a weekday winner or weekend treat you'll make again and again.

The image shows a close-up view of creamy pasta with three clear layers: the base layer is pale yellow penne pasta, smooth and slightly shiny, filling the whole dish; the middle layer consists of soft brown mushrooms and light beige chicken pieces mixed evenly among the pasta; the top layer is a thick creamy white sauce sprinkled generously with finely grated pale cheese and small green parsley leaves scattered on top for color contrast. The dish sits on a white plate against a white marbled textured 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 Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes for easy comfort food. I love how everything cooks in one pot — fewer dishes and more flavor as the pasta absorbs the creamy mushroom chicken sauce. Plus, there’s a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy that keeps me coming back for seconds.

One-pot magic: Minimizes cleanup while letting flavors blend beautifully.
Rich, creamy sauce: Made with evaporated milk and parmesan for texture and depth.
Tender chicken and mushrooms: Seared for flavor, then simmered to juicy perfection.
Adaptable and satisfying: Great for weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this creamy mushroom chicken pasta comes together to create balanced, lush flavors. The chicken adds protein and richness, while mushrooms bring earthiness. The combo of evaporated milk with a splash of regular milk creates that dreamy, creamy sauce without heaviness. And that parmesan? It’s the secret that ties it all lovingly together.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, a medium yellow onion cut in half showing layers, whole brown mushrooms with smooth caps, a few cloves of whole uncracked garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with 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, a small white ceramic bowl of dried basil leaves, uncooked penne pasta scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl with chopped fresh parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed 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: Juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, perfect for searing and simmering.
Dried basil: Adds subtle herbal warmth without overpowering.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing; brings a fruity, smooth base.
Yellow onion: Gives sweet, aromatic depth once softened.
Garlic: Offers that unmistakable punch—don’t skimp here!
Dry white wine (optional): Boosts flavor complexity—if you’d rather, chicken broth works fine too.
Brown mushrooms: Earthy and meaty; absorb and enrich the sauce beautifully.
Chicken broth: Essential for simmering pasta and infusing savory notes.
Evaporated milk & milk: For creamy texture without heaviness or clumping.
Uncooked penne pasta: Holds sauce well with its ridged surface and tubular shape.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Fresh parsley: Brightens and lifts the finished dish with herbal freshness.

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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

I’m a huge fan of tweaking this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on mood or pantry stock. You can make it lighter, richer, or loaded with extras to match your cravings.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken thighs for breasts if I want a leaner version, just adjusting cooking time to keep them juicy.
Vegetarian twist: Leave out the chicken and add extra mushrooms or even some spinach for a green hit.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a lovely heat that balances the creaminess nicely.
Cheese swap: Try adding a bit of mozzarella or gouda along with parmesan for a gooey texture.

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

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of light brown cooked chicken and mushrooms. The pasta is coated in a light orange sauce and is garnished with finely chopped green herbs scattered over the top, along with a small pile of grated white cheese in the center. To the right of the bowl, a gold fork rests on a neatly folded green cloth napkin. A small white bowl filled with more chopped green herbs sits nearby, and part of a pan with more pasta is slightly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

First, I season the chicken thighs with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Then, I heat about 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and carefully lay the chicken in. The key here is not to overcrowd the pan — giving the chicken space helps it brown properly instead of steaming. I sear each side for around 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Then, I remove them and set aside. This step locks in juicy flavor and creates that amazing base taste for the dish.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Onions, Garlic & Mushrooms

Next, I add the remaining olive oil and toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Stirring occasionally, I cook until the onion turns translucent—about 2 minutes. Pouring in the white wine sets the stage for depth, so I let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce a bit. Then, the mushrooms join the party for 3 minutes, stirring often so they soften and soak up all those pan flavors.

Step 3: Simmer Pasta in Creamy Broth

Now comes the fun part: I add the chicken broth, evaporated milk, a splash of regular milk, salt, and pepper, then bring it all to a gentle simmer. In goes the uncooked penne pasta, which cooks right in the sauce. Patience here pays off — I stir occasionally to make sure pasta doesn’t stick and keep an eye until it’s just al dente, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese, Slice Chicken & Finish

Once the pasta is cooked, I stir in freshly grated parmesan, letting it melt slowly to thicken the sauce. Taking the pot off heat, I let everything rest for 5 minutes — this helps the sauce thicken up nicely. Then, I slice the seared chicken into strips and fold them into the pasta. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top gives it that bright finish and just enough herbal pop.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, a few little tricks can make this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe absolutely shine and keep you from common pitfalls.

Don’t rush the sear: Make sure the chicken pieces get that nice golden crust before flipping—this adds incredible flavor.
Stir often while simmering pasta: This prevents the penne from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Let sauce rest off heat: This thickens it without reducing more liquid and helps the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and a bit more parmesan cheese on top—this adds freshness and a lovely salty pop. Sometimes I like a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on the side to brighten it up, especially if the sauce feels rich.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess beautifully. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the meal perfectly, soaking up any leftover sauce (and trust me, you'll want every last bit!). Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans make it feel extra complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this pasta in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs to brighten the visual appeal. You could also transfer it into individual ramekins, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and broil until golden for a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the sauce thickens overnight, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up and keep it silky.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe successfully by cooling it completely, then storing in freezer-safe containers. When reheated, it might lose a touch of creaminess, so gently warming it with extra milk stirred in helps restore that luscious texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently warming on the stove over low heat with a little added liquid, stirring frequently. The microwave works too, but watch it closely to avoid curdling or drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them since they’re leaner and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking times and watch for a juicy, no longer pink center.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Make sure to stir the pasta frequently while it simmers in the sauce and broth. Keeping the heat at a gentle simmer also helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting evaporated milk and regular milk with coconut milk or another creamy dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind it will change the flavor profile, and you may want to adjust seasonings accordingly.

Why use evaporated milk instead of cream?

Evaporated milk gives a rich creaminess with less fat than heavy cream and is less likely to separate when simmered. It’s a great secret for achieving silky pasta sauces without heaviness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your own kitchen. It’s simple enough to make any day but special enough to impress guests or treat yourself after a long week. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite comfort meal ready in just one pot.