Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are browned and tender (about 5 minutes).
4. Lower heat. Pour in cream, add Parmesan, and stir until melted and smooth. Add thyme if using.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is hot and creamy.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.