Discover a creamy, savory Chicken Boscaiola Pasta recipe that’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This delightful dish blends tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting meal that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy day or hosting friends, Chicken Boscaiola Pasta offers the ideal balance of indulgence and simplicity.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: It looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Comfort food classic: The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a warm, satisfying dish every time.
- Versatile for any occasion: Perfect for casual weeknights or a special gathering with family and friends.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable flavors: Easily adaptable with your favorite herbs and veggies to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering quality but straightforward ingredients makes this Chicken Boscaiola Pasta both accessible and flavorful. Each element plays a key role in balancing taste, texture, and color to create a harmonious plate that delights the senses.
- Chicken breast: Provides lean, tender protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Mushrooms: Adds earthy depth and a meaty texture that perfectly complements the creamy base.
- Garlic and shallots: Infuse the sauce with aromatic richness and subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature silky texture that defines the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances umami and adds a nutty, cheesy finish.
- White wine: Brings acidity and complexity, balancing the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a pop of green freshness and a mild herbal touch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- Pasta of choice: Tagliatelle or fettuccine are ideal for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Variations
Feel free to tailor this Chicken Boscaiola Pasta recipe to your personal tastes or dietary needs. It’s incredibly flexible, so swapping or adding ingredients is a breeze and keeps the dish exciting every time you make it.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with extra mushrooms or add roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed feast.
- Healthier option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pasta for a lighter dish.
- Extra flavor boost: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth and warmth.
- Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free pasta to keep this dish safe for gluten intolerances.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for those who love heat.
How to Make Chicken Boscaiola Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large pan and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté finely chopped garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to caramelize, building that deep, savory base of flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half to concentrate the flavor before stirring in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken gently.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat all pieces evenly with the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Cook and Toss Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm, sharing that irresistible plate of Chicken Boscaiola Pasta with your loved ones.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Boscaiola Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and herbs make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook until just done to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Simmer sauce gently: Avoid boiling the cream to prevent curdling and maintain a silky consistency.
- Reserve pasta water: Add a splash to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Grate cheese fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and boosts flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
How to Serve Chicken Boscaiola Pasta
Garnishes
Brighten the dish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds richness, while a few twists of cracked black pepper provide subtle spice.
Side Dishes
Complement the creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Boscaiola Pasta in deep pasta bowls to hold the sauce nicely. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a fancy touch that will wow your guests. Layering the pasta with thinly sliced Parmesan also creates an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Chicken Boscaiola Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so a quick stir before reheating will help bring it back to life.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen but the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the chicken and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms all work wonderfully and add their own unique flavor twists.
Is Chicken Boscaiola Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made ahead to save time on busy days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Can I substitute the cream for a dairy-free option?
You can use coconut cream or cashew cream as dairy-free alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What pasta shapes are best for this recipe?
Wide, flat pastas like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle hold the creamy sauce best, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing or drizzle hot chili oil over the finished dish to bring in some heat.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Boscaiola Pasta combines the best of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms for a truly irresistible dish. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, making it a beloved favorite to keep in your recipe collection. Whip up this delightful pasta soon and watch as it quickly becomes a go-to meal everyone asks for again and again.
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Chicken Boscaiola Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta option)
Description
Creamy and savory Chicken Boscaiola Pasta featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting and indulgent meal that’s simple to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips or cubes
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Olive oil, for cooking
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of choice (tagliatelle or fettuccine recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes, then season well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping warm.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the finely chopped garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and begin to caramelize, creating a deep, savory flavor base.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, intensifying the flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, gently simmering the sauce until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir well to coat all pieces evenly with the creamy sauce. Let the mixture simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook and Toss Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and add the pasta directly into the sauce. Toss carefully to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent the cream from curdling and to maintain a silky texture.
- Reserve some pasta water and add a splash if the sauce becomes too thick, helping it loosen up.
- Grate Parmesan fresh instead of using pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg