One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Your Lighter, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

Indulge in a carb lover’s dream: rich, creamy pasta without the heaviness!
Discover the magic of this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, a dish that effortlessly brings together seared chicken, aromatic garlic, earthy mushrooms, savory Parmesan, and a delicate splash of white wine. Crafted entirely in a single pot using everyday pantry staples, this recipe offers all the comforting flavor you crave with **half the fat** of traditional creamy pastas. It’s comfort food reimagined – lighter, quicker, and undeniably better. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this dish will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Lighter, Creamier, Better: The Secret to Our One-Pot Pasta

After the incredible success and overwhelming positive feedback from our Skinny One-Pot Chicken Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo, my inbox was flooded with questions. Many of you wondered if evaporated milk could truly achieve that luxurious creaminess in pasta dishes without all the guilt. After extensive testing and numerous batches, I’m thrilled to present this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, a testament to the power of evaporated milk. The result? A sauce that’s just as rich, velvety, and undeniably delicious as its heavy cream counterparts, yet boasting an impressive **half the fat**.

Inspired by family favorites like our Creamy Parmesan Herb Mushroom Chicken, creamy mushroom sauces are a beloved staple in our household. For years, I relied on thickened cream to create these indulgent meals for my kids. However, the discovery of evaporated milk has revolutionized our weeknight dinners, offering a lighter alternative that never compromises on flavor. This recipe perfectly balances indulgence and health, proving that you don’t need excessive fat to achieve that comforting, satisfying creaminess we all adore.

The “one-pot” method isn’t just about reducing dishwashing; it’s a fundamental part of the recipe’s success. As the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful sauce, it absorbs every nuance of the chicken broth, wine, garlic, and mushrooms. This process not only infuses the pasta with incredible depth but also releases its starches, naturally thickening the sauce to a perfect, clingy consistency. It’s a symbiotic relationship between ingredients, creating a truly harmonious and deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy One-Pot Pasta

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards a fantastic meal. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta truly shine:

• Chicken Thigh Fillets (Boneless, Skinless): Opt for thigh fillets for their exceptional tenderness and rich flavor, which remains juicy even after searing and simmering. They absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Dried Basil: A classic herb that lends a warm, subtly sweet, and peppery note, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms.
• Yellow Onion (Medium, Chopped): The foundation of flavor. Sautéing the onion until translucent releases its natural sweetness, creating a robust base for the sauce.
• Garlic (Minced): An absolute essential! Freshly minced garlic provides an indispensable pungent, aromatic depth that elevates all the savory elements of the dish.
• Dry White Wine (or Chicken Stock/Broth): This is crucial for deglazing the pan, lifting all those delicious browned bits from the chicken and onions. It adds a bright acidity and complex layer of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken stock works wonderfully.
• Brown Mushrooms (Sliced): Also known as Cremini mushrooms, these offer a deep, earthy, and umami flavor that pairs exquisitely with chicken and cream. Their meaty texture adds substantial bite to the pasta.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: Forms the primary liquid base for the sauce, ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly and infusing every strand with savory goodness. Choose a low-sodium option to control salt levels.
• Evaporated Milk: The star of our “lighter” cream sauce! Evaporated milk provides an incredible creaminess and richness with significantly less fat than heavy cream, making this dish indulgent yet lighter.
• Uncooked Penne Pasta: This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta is ideal for one-pot cooking. It holds up well, absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully, and releases starch to naturally thicken the sauce as it cooks. Feel free to experiment with other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Essential for that signature salty, umami kick and extra creaminess. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the entire dish.

Notes: For a comprehensive list of ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Easy Steps for a Perfect One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Given how much you all adored our Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup, I knew I had to deliver another healthy, creamy pasta dish that achieves rich flavor without the heavy cream. And the secret, as we’ve discussed, is evaporated milk! Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly unforgettable meal in just one pot.

1. Sear the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs and sear them on both sides until they are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. This crucial step locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust. Remove the seared chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate; we’ll add it back later to prevent overcooking.

2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pot. Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Sauté the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant (this usually takes about 2 minutes). Next, pour in the dry white wine (or chicken stock). Let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce down and deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This step adds incredible depth to your sauce.

3. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Add the sliced brown mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Pour in the chicken broth, evaporated milk, and regular milk (if using cream instead, add it here). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente – typically around 15 minutes. The pasta will absorb the liquid and the sauce will begin to thicken.

4. Finish and Thicken: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts, creating an even creamier, richer sauce. Allow the pasta to sit off the heat for about 5 minutes; this resting period is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken further to a perfect consistency. While it rests, slice your reserved seared chicken thighs into bite-sized strips. Stir the sliced chicken back into the pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in the luscious sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese, if desired. These garnishes add freshness and a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

6. Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor every spoonful of this incredibly rich, satisfying, and lighter comfort dish. It’s the perfect meal for any night of the week, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta:

• Don’t Rush the Sear: A good sear on the chicken is key for flavor. Allow the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
• Deglaze Thoroughly: When adding the white wine or broth, make sure to scrape all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor!
• Stir Occasionally: While the pasta is simmering, stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding the pasta and again before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or even a touch more basil to your preference.
• Evaporated Milk vs. Cream: While evaporated milk is our lighter choice, you can use regular full-fat evaporated milk, half-and-half, or even a reduced-fat cream if you prefer or have it on hand. The key is finding the balance that works for you.

Delicious Pairings For Your Creamy Pasta Night

Every fantastic pasta dish deserves equally fantastic accompaniments. To complete your meal and elevate your pasta night experience, consider these delicious pairings:

• Crusty Garlic Bread: A side of Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is practically mandatory! Its crispy texture and garlicky butter are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Tomato Salad: Cut through the richness of the pasta with a bright and refreshing Easy Tomato Salad. The acidity of fresh tomatoes provides a wonderful contrast. Consider adding some red onion and a light vinaigrette for extra zing.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint and adds essential freshness and nutrients to your meal.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Lightly steamed vegetables, perhaps with a sprinkle of Parmesan, make for a healthy and flavorful side that won’t overpower the main dish.
• White Wine Pairing: For those enjoying wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a light Chardonnay would beautifully complement the creamy, savory flavors of the pasta.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Your Questions Answered (FAQ’s)