Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Dream Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and stir, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the pan. Let the broth reduce for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the Cream and Cream Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Mix well to combine until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Season: Add the Parmesan cheese and dried thyme, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Spaghetti, and Sauce

1. Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine it with the creamy sauce.
2. Toss with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy chicken and mushroom sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce needs to be thinned, add a bit more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom spaghetti on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta dish!

Tips for Success:

• Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms (like cremini, shiitake, or portobello) for a more complex flavor.
• Chicken Options: If you prefer, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even grilled chicken for convenience.
• Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with more mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu.
• Cheese Variations: Add extra cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella for an even cheesier dish.

Enjoy your Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Dream Spaghetti—a rich, comforting, and delicious pasta perfect for any occasion!