Dinner

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Pasta Hug Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Pasta Hug is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich garlic cream sauce combine beautifully with cavatappi pasta for a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

A close-up of a white plate filled with creamy pasta made of spiral rotini noodles covered in a light beige sauce, mixed with tender brown mushrooms and small bits of browned meat. The pasta looks soft and glossy, with a few fresh green thyme leaves scattered on top, adding a touch of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and there is a blurred background with soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz cavatappi pasta
Salt (for pasta water)
1 lb chicken breast, cut tender-style
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, paprika (for seasoning chicken)
3 tbsp butter
Approximately 8 oz sliced mushrooms (or as much as you like)
~17 g minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/4–1/2 cup water
6 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Parsley flakes (for garnish)
Italian seasoning (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season one side of the chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, and paprika. Place the chicken seasoned side down in the hot oil and cook for 4–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest.
Step 2: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil to cook the pasta according to package directions.
Step 3: Reduce heat on the chicken pan to low and add butter, allowing it to melt gently. Slice or dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces while the butter melts.
Step 4: Increase heat to medium or medium-high and add sliced mushrooms to the pan in a flat, even layer. Cook mushrooms for 3 minutes without stirring, then stir and continue cooking until they turn golden brown and tender, about 6–8 minutes total.
Step 5: Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Step 6: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and gradually add 1/4 cup water. Add up to 1/2 cup water as needed to reach your desired sauce thickness. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and stir every 2–3 minutes for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 7: Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 8: Cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, drain it, reserving 1/4–1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 9: Add small splashes of reserved pasta water to the sauce to thin it slightly and create a glossy texture that will coat the pasta well.
Step 10: Return the sliced chicken to the saucepan and warm together over low to medium heat for 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld and chicken is heated through.
Step 11: Toss the creamy mushroom chicken sauce with the cooked pasta. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
Use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a richer taste.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
Garnish with fresh basil or thyme for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a white plate filled with creamy rotini pasta mixed with sliced mushrooms and small pieces of herbs on top. The pasta is coated in a light brown sauce that looks smooth and rich, with mushrooms sitting visibly on the top layer, giving texture to the dish. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean, bright background. The lighting highlights the glossy and creamy texture of the sauce and the fresh look of the herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the Parmesan and reheat gently, stirring in cheese after warming.