A rich pasta dish featuring tender chicken and savory mushrooms bathed in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce and served over perfectly cooked fettuccine—a weeknight classic elevated to gourmet comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish checks all the comfort-food boxes: silky sauce, juicy chicken, and earthy mushrooms. It delivers indulgent flavor without complexity or fancy ingredients, making it approachable yet impressive. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet for easy cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp butter
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
Add 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet with mushrooms and let it melt. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Add the drained fettuccine and toss gently to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired sauce consistency is reached.
Serve
Divide among plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 generous servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein swap: Use shrimp or thinly sliced pork loin instead of chicken.
Vegetarian version: Omit chicken and add spinach, sun‑dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
Cheese upgrade: Stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese or a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano.
Herb infusion: Add fresh thyme, basil, or oregano at the end for aromatic freshness.

Storage / Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when frozen.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or chicken broth, stirring until smooth and warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes—simply add it to the sauce in the final step to heat through rather than cooking from raw.

2. What kind of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal. For more depth, use shiitake or portobello.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer gently—avoid boiling. Use full-fat cream and add cheese slowly while stirring.

4. Can I substitute milk for cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit more cheese or a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken.

5. Why add pasta water?

Starchy pasta water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce while preventing creaminess from becoming too dense.

6. Is nutmeg necessary?

No—but a pinch adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

7. Can I use fettuccine alternatives?

Yes—egg noodles, linguine, or pappardelle work beautifully.

8. How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?

Cook to al dente—firm to the bite—so it holds up when tossed with the sauce.

9. Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce before serving.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-style indulgence straight to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a terrific go-to dish for cozy dinners or casual entertaining. Enjoy this silky, savory crowd-pleaser tonight.