Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Decadent Cream Sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until tender and browned.
- Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the mushrooms and cream sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Conclusion:
Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Decadent Cream Sauce is the ultimate indulgence. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich cream sauce come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish that will impress everyone at the table. This creamy pasta is easy to make but packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at your next dinner party. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!