If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious creamy sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor that are surprisingly simple to achieve at home. Whether you need a wholesome weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role—olive oil for that golden sear, mushrooms for earthiness, and herbs to brighten the creamy sauce. These essentials combine to create a balanced, savory dish that feels both rustic and refined.
- Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even flavor distribution.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality oil to get a beautiful sear on the chicken while adding subtle fruitiness.
- Onion: Chopped finely to melt seamlessly into the sauce and provide sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse every mouthful with its signature aromatic punch.
- Cremini or button mushrooms: Sliced to bring a juicy, earthy note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Dry white wine (optional): Adds a subtle acidity and depth that lifts the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, creating that silky, indulgent texture you’ll love.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the savory taste while keeping the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to introduce a nutty, salty richness that ties it all together.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Aromatic herbs that contribute a wonderful Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up that glorious sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a vibrant, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—this means it still has a slight bite, perfect for holding the rich sauce. Drain the pasta, but don’t toss out the pasta water just yet; you’ll use a little to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and allow them to brown beautifully on each side before stirring. Cooking the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6 to 7 minutes) ensures it’s juicy on the inside and packed with flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring often. Let the onion turn translucent and fragrant, which takes about three minutes. This step lays the foundation for a sauce rich in aromatic depth and gentle sweetness.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook down for about five minutes until they soften and develop a lovely golden brown color. The mushrooms bring an earthy, meaty texture that perfectly complements the chicken and creamy sauce.
Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine (Optional)
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Let it gently simmer for two to three minutes so it can reduce slightly and pick up all those flavorful browned bits from the skillet. This step adds a subtle acidity and complexity that elevates the entire dish.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and oregano to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about five minutes so the sauce thickens just enough to coat your pasta beautifully without being too heavy.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Season
Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to incorporate the protein into that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste—you want to find that perfect balance where the creaminess shines but the seasoning lifts every bite.
Step 8: Toss with Pasta
Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss it gently to coat every piece in the rich sauce. If the sauce feels a little too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach a silky, luscious texture that clings to the noodles perfectly.
Step 9: Ready to Serve
Your Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe is now ready to be plated and enjoyed. Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and if you like, dash on a bit more Parmesan for that final delicious touch. It’s a dish that guarantees smiles at the table with every forkful.
How to Serve Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must—it adds brightness and color that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving will also add a nice salty contrast and a touch of elegance. For an extra kick, freshly cracked black pepper on top adds just the right amount of spice and aroma.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with light sides to balance out the richness. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and refreshes the palate. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce, turning your meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe family-style right from the skillet or a large serving dish—its rustic charm will invite everyone to dig in. For a more elegant presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on individual plates and drizzle a little extra sauce around the edges before garnishing. Either way, your guests will feel loved and impressed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Boscaiola Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and creaminess. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll find that the sauce has thickened nicely and the chicken remains tender.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes quite well. Just cool the pasta completely, then place it in a suitable freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best enjoyed within two months of freezing to keep the fresh flavors vibrant and the texture pleasant.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving at full power as it can cause the sauce to separate or the chicken to dry out. Slow and steady heating is the way to go for leftovers just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine are excellent choices for holding the sauce, feel free to use any pasta you love. Rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work beautifully.
Is the white wine necessary?
The white wine is optional but highly recommended if you have it on hand. It adds a lovely subtle acidity and depth. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply skip it and increase the chicken broth slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish adaptable to dietary needs.
How do I get the mushrooms to brown nicely?
Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the mushrooms, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Mushrooms release moisture, so cooking them in a single layer without stirring too frequently helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but the richness will be slightly reduced. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work, but it will impart a different flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe is truly a winner when you want comfort food that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The creamy, herb-infused sauce with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms creates a harmonious dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!
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Chicken Boscaiola Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Boscaiola Pasta is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your choice of penne or fettuccine pasta. This recipe delivers rustic flavors with a touch of elegance, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends and family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works best)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms are softened and browned.
- Deglaze with Wine: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, which add depth of flavor.
- Add Creamy Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and oregano. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir well to combine with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve Garnished: Spoon the pasta onto serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but the sauce will be less thick.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta instead.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- White wine is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor; you can substitute with extra chicken broth if desired.
- To enhance mushroom flavor, use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
