Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Fettuccine

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Mushroom Fettuccine

Indulge in a restaurant-quality comfort dish made right at home. This recipe brings together tender pan-seared chicken breast slices and deeply browned cremini mushrooms, all tossed in a luxurious, velvety garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce that coats every ribbon of pasta.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes

  • Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the fettuccine in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Sauté Mushrooms: Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Cook the sliced mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until browned and tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.

  5. Combine & Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Garnish with parsley and extra black pepper before serving.

Notes & Tips

  • Don’t Crowd the Mushrooms: Give the mushrooms space in the pan so they sear beautifully rather than steaming.

  • Cheese Quality: Use a block of real Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth.

Health Benefit & Nutrition

  • Benefit: Lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein for muscle repair, while mushrooms offer essential B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants to support immunity.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 540 kcal

  • Protein: 32g

  • Fat: 26g

  • Carbs: 45g

Q&A

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half mixed with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

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