Description
This Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Dream Spaghetti is a luscious, comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with mushrooms and garlic in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente spaghetti. Ready in just 35 minutes, it offers a savory, indulgent meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the butter and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow cooking for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Make cream sauce: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine all: Return the cooked chicken and spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything well to coat evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken and mushroom spaghetti hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should remain al dente for the best texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
