Teresa's Recipes
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Mushrooms and Chicken
Indulge in a bowl of creamy Parmesan pasta that marries tender, juicy chicken with earthy, sautéed mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This dish captures the essence of Italian comfort food, evoking memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. The combination of flavors and textures creates a symphony that delights the palate, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Pair it with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete dining experience. Historically, this recipe reflects the Italian culinary tradition of using high-quality, simple ingredients to create dishes that celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (such as fettuccine or penne) Pasta
- 1 pound, diced Chicken breast
- 8 ounces, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well) Mushrooms
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup, grated (plus extra for serving) Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing gently until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or spinach into the dish.
- You can substitute the chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more mushrooms.
- Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.