If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy dish, the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This recipe marries tender chicken breast, savory mushrooms, and garlic with a luscious Parmesan sauce that perfectly coats every twist of cavatappi pasta. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for any night when you crave a little culinary magic at the dinner table.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role to build those bold flavors, creamy textures, and appealing colors that make the dish so memorable. From the rich Parmesan to the earthy mushrooms and fragrant garlic, each component adds its own personality to the plate.

16 oz cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
1 lb chicken breast (cut tender-style): Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
1–2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for cooking the chicken.
3 tbsp butter: Boosts richness and helps soften the mushrooms and garlic.
Sliced mushrooms (as much as you like): Brings a meaty, earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
~17 g minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
1 can cream of mushroom soup: Creates the velvety backbone of the sauce.
1/4–1/2 cup water: Adjusts sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
6 oz shredded Parmesan: Adds nutty, savory goodness that melts into the sauce beautifully.
1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling perfectly to pasta.
Parsley flakes: Provides a fresh burst of color and mild herbal brightness.
Italian seasoning: A blend that lifts the sauce with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor with a mild punch.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
Crushed red pepper: Offers a gentle kick to brighten flavors.
Paprika: Contributes warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Salt: Elevates every flavor component.
Black pepper: Adds necessary sharpness and depth.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Season one side of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika, then place the seasoned side down in the hot oil. Cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and let it rest—this will keep the chicken tender and juicy when sliced later.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This salted water is essential as it seasons the pasta internally. Add the cavatappi and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid is a secret weapon to perfect sauce consistency.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

Reduce the heat to low and add butter to the same pan used for the chicken to soak up all those fantastic browned bits. Once melted, increase the heat back to medium or medium-high and add your sliced mushrooms in a flat layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a golden sear, then stir and repeat until the mushrooms are deeply caramelized. Toss in the minced fresh garlic and sauté until fragrant to deepen the flavor base.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and start with 1/4 cup water, adding more (up to 1/2 cup) as needed to reach your desired sauce thickness. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and stir every 2 to 3 minutes. Folding in the shredded Parmesan next will give the sauce that silky, rich texture and irresistible cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

While the sauce simmers, slice or dice the rested chicken. Then add the chicken pieces back into the sauce, letting them warm through on low to medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in small splashes of reserved pasta water to thin and emulsify the sauce further, ensuring it clings beautifully to the cavatappi pasta. Finally, toss the pasta directly into the sauce, coating every coil with that creamy garlic mushroom goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley flakes can brighten the plate with a vibrant splash of green while adding herbal freshness. Don’t forget an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan on top—this elevates the cheesy factor and looks stunning for presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs gorgeously with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread are also fantastic companions, perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy family-style feel, or plate it elegantly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole sautéed mushrooms on top to impress guests. Adding a wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the dish when squeezed over just before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken overnight; simply loosen it with a splash of water or reserved pasta water when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, but it’s best to freeze before combining the pasta with the sauce. Store cooked sauce and chicken separately from pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creaminess and stir frequently until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if possible to maintain the delicate sauce texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is fantastic because it holds sauce well, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a quick homemade substitute using butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms to control ingredients and flavor, although the canned soup gives a classic creamy texture that’s hard to beat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives, and choosing a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, you can adapt this recipe nicely while keeping it creamy and delicious.

What can I do if I don’t like mushrooms?

No problem—simply omit the mushrooms or replace them with another vegetable like spinach or zucchini for a different texture and flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, or when the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside. Cooking in even slices helps speed this up and ensures juicy tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that combines so many cozy flavors with such ease, and this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that warms the soul. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe