There is nothing quite as comforting as a creamy pasta dish, and Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo Spaghetti is the kind of meal that brings both indulgence and satisfaction to the table. With its velvety Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a gentle kiss of garlic, this recipe is a perfect combination of elegance and homestyle comfort. It’s an excellent weeknight dinner option but can also impress guests when you want to serve something hearty and refined. The creaminess of the sauce pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of spaghetti, creating a dish that feels complete with every bite.
This recipe celebrates balance—savory chicken, aromatic garlic, and earthy mushrooms all tied together with a sauce that is both rich and smooth. Unlike jarred Alfredo, this homemade version is fresher and allows you to control the creaminess, seasoning, and overall flavor profile. Best of all, it comes together in less than an hour, making it a go-to dish for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips or cubes)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (sliced; button, cremini, or a mix)
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/basil mix)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. This starchy water will be helpful later if you need to loosen the sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and develop a golden brown color, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes, which will help it thicken slightly. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted into the sauce. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well, coating it with the creamy garlic mushroom Alfredo sauce. Add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Tips for Success
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Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan ensures your Alfredo sauce is creamy and luscious.
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Don’t overcook the chicken – Since the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce, it’s best to remove it from the pan as soon as it turns golden. This keeps it tender and juicy.
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Balance the sauce – If the sauce feels too heavy, a small squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors without overpowering the richness.
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Choose the right mushrooms – Cremini mushrooms add a deeper, meatier flavor than regular white mushrooms, but either will work beautifully.
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Pasta water magic – That reserved starchy water helps emulsify the sauce and ensures it clings perfectly to the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides such as garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, also complements the creamy Alfredo sauce wonderfully.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo Spaghetti is a timeless recipe that satisfies both cravings and culinary elegance. The richness of the Alfredo sauce, the tenderness of chicken, and the earthy depth of mushrooms create a comforting dish perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even special occasions. Each twirl of spaghetti is coated in creamy, garlicky goodness, ensuring every bite feels indulgent yet balanced. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll see why it stands head and shoulders above store-bought sauces. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an extraordinary meal worth savoring.
