Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Fettuccine (Restaurant Style)
Velvety, rich, and ready in 35 minutes.
We’ve all had those days where only a big bowl of pasta will do. But I’m not talking about jarred sauce. I’m talking about that ultra-silky, garlic-infused cream sauce you get at high-end Italian bistros.
This recipe is my go-to “fancy” weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken bites and earthy mushrooms with a rich cream sauce that gets a surprising lift from fresh basil and a tiny pinch of sugar (trust me on this one—it balances the richness perfectly). It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly? It’s faster than ordering delivery.
Prep
15 Mins
Cook
20 Mins
Serves
4 People
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 🍝 Pasta: 1 lb (500g) Fettuccine noodles.
- 🍗 Protein: 2 Chicken Breasts (approx 1/2 kg), diced into bite-sized cubes.
- 🍄 Veg: 1 cup Fresh Mushrooms, sliced.
- 🥛 The Cream: 1 cup (200ml) Heavy Cream (Cooking cream).
- 🧈 Fat: 1 tbsp Ghee or Butter (Ghee adds a lovely nutty flavor).
- 🧀 Cheese: 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese (for that melty finish).
- 🌿 Aromatics: 2 cloves Garlic (minced), Fresh Mint & Basil.
- 🧂 Seasoning: Salt, Black Pepper, and 1 tsp Sugar.
👩🍳 Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: The Pasta (Al Dente is Key)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of oil or vinegar (to keep strands separate). Cook the fettuccine until al dente (firm to the bite).
Crucial Tip: Drain it, but DO NOT rinse it with water! The starch on the pasta helps the sauce stick better.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta boils, grab a skillet. Toss in your chicken cubes over medium-high heat. Sear them until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside (we don’t want them to overcook).
Step 3: The Magic Sauce
In the same pan (don’t wash it, that flavor is gold!), melt the ghee/butter. Add the minced garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are soft and fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and that teaspoon of sugar. Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Assembly
You have two options here: Plating individually or tossing it all together. I prefer placing the pasta on the plate, topping it with the chicken, and then ladling that glorious creamy mushroom sauce over everything.
Step 5: The Grand Finale
While it’s steaming hot, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top so it melts instantly. Garnish with fresh mint and basil for a pop of color and freshness. Bon Appétit!
💡 A Note on the “Sugar”
You might be wondering, “Sugar in pasta?” Yes! The acidity of the cream and the savoriness of the chicken need a tiny hint of sweetness to round out the flavor profile. It doesn’t make it sweet; it just makes it better.
