Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

This CreamyChicken and Mushroom Pasta dish reminds me of my stepdad's cooking. He wasn't much of a cook, but he sure could whip up a delicious and hearty meal. For those looking for a comforting dish, this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a must-try. I've put a healthier spin on it by using chickpea pasta, lean ground chicken, and nutritious chicken bone broth, all while keeping it gluten and dairy-free. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that my whole family adores! Do you love a good chicken and mushroom combo? Try this Chicken Marsala without Wine for dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a protein-packed meal, made even more substantial thanks to the chickpea pasta. The rich and savory taste comes from the chicken bone broth, which also brings along health benefits as it's nutrient-rich. Plus, the mushrooms and coconut cream add a luxurious creaminess that's simply irresistible, all while keeping the dish dairy-free. This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta has the perfect harmony of flavors, creating a warm and comforting dish that's ideal for a cozy, hearty dinner.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground Chicken: is a lean, versatile protein that helps absorb the flavors of the seasoning and sauce easily, making it a good choice for this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta.

Chickpea Pasta: is a good choice for an added protein boost. To keep this Whole30 and Paleo friendly, omit the pasta and use an alternative like hearts of palm pasta, zucchini noodles or butternut noodles.

Mushroom Chicken Bone Broth: or chicken bone broth work interchangeably in this recipe. I like Kettle and Fire broths and you can use Pennysprimal to save 20%.

White Mushrooms: impart a mild yet earthy flavor to this dish.

Coconut Cream: provides a creamy texture with a taste that is very mild and usually hidden by other flavors.

Onion: Vidalia onion is the best choice for this recipe because they add a sweet and mellow flavor.

Garlic Powder: is best in this recipe as it easily dissipates into the sauce for a better overall texture.

Salt and Pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

Cook your pasta: according to the directions on the box, then drain and set aside.

Cook the chicken and onions: to a large skillet and cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper and garlic.

Add the mushrooms: and cover the skillet and simmer on low for ten minutes.

Make the sauce: by adding the broth slowly and stirring everything together. Then, add the coconut cream, stir again, then simmer for 5 more minutes.

Add the cooked pasta: to the pan and stir to combine all of the ingredients.

Finish cooking: for about 5 more minutes, allowing the pasta to heat back up and soak up all of the flavor.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

No cooking oils needed: You don't need to include additional fat or oil in the skillet before adding the ground chicken because the ground chicken naturally provides sufficient fat for cooking the onions.

Best cream for dairy-free pasta: Coconut cream is ideal for dairy-free dishes, providing a creamy texture and delightful coconut flavor.

Don't rinse the pasta: Rinsing the pasta before mixing it with the sauce is not recommended because the starch on the pasta helps the sauce stick to it.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-free: If dairy does not bother you or if you cannot tolerate coconut, you can opt for a heavy cream in place of the coconut cream.

Mushrooms: If you cannot find white mushrooms, cremini mushrooms can be substituted for a mild, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.

Storage Tips

You can store this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

What cream is best for a dairy-free pasta?

Coconut cream is ideal for dairy-free dishes, providing a creamy texture with a taste that is very mild and usually hidden by other flavors. While coconut milk can be used, choosing coconut cream creates an overall thicker and creamier texture.

Can ground beef be substituted for ground chicken?

You can substitute ground beef for ground chicken in this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta, but keep in mind that the dish will have a slightly different flavor. Ground beef is also richer and slightly heavier than ground chicken.

How do I cook ground chicken without drying it out?

Ensure that ground chicken is cooked thoroughly until it loses its pink color in the center, breaking up the pieces as it cooks to ensure no pink remains. Cooking the ground chicken with the onions, and mixing it with the other ingredients will keep it from drying out.