Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Few dishes bring as much comfort as a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of gruyère, double cream, and white wine creates an indulgent flavour that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight staple or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this pasta is the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.

See how I make this dish here.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Building the Base: Chicken, Mushrooms, and Aromatics
• Why Chestnut Mushrooms?
• Deglazing with White Wine: Enhancing Complexity
• How to Balance the Creamy Sauce
• Cooking the Pasta: The Key to a Perfect Finish
• The Importance of Pasta Water
• Bringing It All Together: The Final Touches
• More Creamy Pasta Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth and enhances the overall richness.
• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavourful, they hold up beautifully in the sauce.
• Onion: Provides a savoury base, adding sweetness as it softens.
• Chestnut mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they complement the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with warmth and boldness.
• Thyme: Lends a fragrant, slightly woody aroma.
• White wine: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the creaminess.
• Double cream: Creates a luscious, silky sauce.
• Whole milk: Lightens the sauce slightly while maintaining its richness.
• Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully, adding nutty, savoury depth.
• Dried pasta: A sturdy base that carries the sauce perfectly.

Building the Base: Chicken, Mushrooms, and Aromatics

The secret to Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta lies in layering flavours. Start by searing the chicken in olive oil, allowing it to develop a golden crust. This step not only locks in moisture but also creates a depth of flavour that will infuse the entire dish.

Once the chicken is lightly browned, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. These ingredients work together beautifully. The onions bring a hint of sweetness, while mushrooms add an earthy robustness. As they cook, they release moisture, softening and deepening their flavour. A touch of salt at this stage helps draw out their natural juices, intensifying the overall taste.

Next, stir in the garlic and thyme. Garlic becomes fragrant almost instantly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The thyme, with its woody, citrusy notes, ties everything together. This foundation creates the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce to follow.

Why Chestnut Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are the backbone of this dish, adding an umami depth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Chestnut mushrooms work particularly well because they hold their shape and have a firmer texture than standard white mushrooms. Their rich, slightly nutty flavour intensifies as they cook, soaking up the aromatics from the thyme, garlic, and onions. If you want an even bolder mushroom presence, consider a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster.

Deglazing with White Wine: Enhancing Complexity

A splash of white wine adds a layer of sophistication to Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cream, providing balance. As the wine reduces, it leaves behind a subtle fruitiness and a slightly tangy note that enhances the dish’s complexity.

When deglazing the pan, scrape up the caramelised bits stuck to the bottom – this is where much of the flavour lives. These browned bits dissolve into the sauce, enriching every bite with a savoury, umami-packed essence.

How to Balance the Creamy Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish. Combining double cream and whole milk creates a texture that’s indulgent but not overwhelming. The cream provides silkiness, while the milk keeps it from feeling too heavy. Simmering the mixture allows the flavours to meld, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Gruyère cheese brings everything together. It melts seamlessly, while contributing a nutty, slightly salty complexity. Stirring it off the heat prevents it from becoming grainy, ensuring the sauce remains velvety.

To achieve the perfect sauce, adjust the seasoning as needed. A final pinch of salt and pepper can make all the difference, enhancing every element in the dish.

Cooking the Pasta: The Key to a Perfect Finish

The choice of pasta plays a crucial role in Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. Tagliatelle works beautifully, but other varieties like fettuccine or pappardelle also pair well with the thick sauce. The key is to cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. This ensures it holds up in the rich sauce without becoming too soft.

Before draining, make sure to reserve some of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will play an important role in finishing this dish!

The Importance of Pasta Water

I know you’ve probably heard this many times before, but a splash of pasta water can transform a sauce from good to exceptional. The starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling to every strand of pasta for an ultra-silky finish. Instead of draining your pasta completely, always save a cup of the cooking water to adjust the consistency of your sauce. This simple step ensures the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta reaches restaurant-quality levels every time.

Bringing It All Together: The Final Touches

With the sauce ready and the pasta cooked, it’s time to combine everything. Toss the pasta into the saucepan, coating it thoroughly. A bit of pasta water ensures a smooth consistency, while gentle tossing helps the sauce adhere evenly. For the finishing touch, sprinkle over a few fresh thyme leaves or an extra grating of Gruyère. These small details elevate the dish, adding freshness and a hint of extra richness. Serve immediately, while the sauce is at its creamiest and most luxurious.

More Creamy Pasta Recipes

If you love this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta, here are some other rich, indulgent pasta recipes you might like:

• Sausage Vodka Pasta: A delicious twist on a classic favourite. It brings together the rich, savoury notes of sausage with a creamy, velvety vodka-infused tomato sauce. 
• Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta: This tasty pasta number is the perfect balance of flavours. It’s creamy and bright, with just a hint of spice.
• Caramelised Fennel and Sausage Pasta: Sometimes all you need is a big bowl of beige and this caramelised fennel and sausage pasta delivers both on taste and comfort.
• Creamy Brown Butter Pumpkin Pasta: Pumpkin purée gets cooked down in brown butter, before being combined with mascarpone, parmesan and warm spices to make the most delicious pasta sauce.
• Creamy Lemon Courgette Orzo:  A one-pot wonder with a short ingredient list. It gets a big boost of flavour from caramelised lemons. The rest of the dish comes together with courgette, garlic, parmesan and mascarpone for an easy midweek dinner.