Creamy Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi Recipe

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal for weeknights.
What sets this dish apart? Our Cavatappi, a high-protein, low-carb pasta that lets you indulge without the carb-heavy crash. With its springy, corkscrew shape, this pasta clings to the creamy sauce, making sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cavatappi Recipe
You won't be able to get enough of this creamy pasta dish for a few reasons:
- Creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor.
- A 30-minute meal that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight.
- Low-carb & high-protein pasta.
- Swap the mushrooms, adjust the spice, or add your favorite veggies to easily customize.
- Perfect texture – The cavatappi spirals hold onto the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
Why Choose Kaizen?
Kaizen Cavatappi is a nutrient-dense alternative to regular pasta, packed with protein and fiber. Unlike wheat-based pasta, this lupin flour pasta delivers incredible macros without sacrificing taste or texture.
Don't have cavatappi? Any of our pasta shapes will work great in this recipe!
Key Benefits:
- 20g protein per serving – More than double the protein of regular pasta.
- Only 6g net carbs – Ideal for low-carb, keto, and high-protein diets.
- Gluten-free & grain-free – Perfect for those with food intolerances.
- Superior texture – Holds its shape, staying al dente and springy.
- Works in any pasta recipe – A great substitute for traditional cavatappi, penne, or fusilli.
Want to try it? Shop Kaizen Cavatappi Here: Get Yours Now
What You’ll Need for This Creamy Chicken Cavatappi
- Kaizen Cavatappi Pasta: The perfect low-carb, high-protein pasta that holds onto the sauce.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken makes this dish hearty and filling.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for browning the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Add earthy flavors and umami richness.
- Shallot & Garlic: Provide a savory flavor backbone to the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Helps create a light yet flavorful sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce lusciously creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: The essential ingredient for a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
Swaps & Additions
- Protein Alternatives: Use chicken thighs, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
- Mushroom Substitutes: Swap mushrooms for sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Kaizen Pasta Alternatives: Try Kaizen Fusilli, Ziti, or Radiatori for a similar texture.
- More Vegetables: Toss in baby spinach, asparagus, or roasted red peppers.
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle in mozzarella or cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
- Spice Boost: Add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or black pepper for a little extra heat.
How to Make the Best Creamy Chicken Cavatappi
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels, then season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 8-9 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Cavatappi Pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes, until al dente, following the package directions.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and shallot and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and let cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock and simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine
Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything in the creamy sauce until well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Plate the chicken cavatappi and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or basil.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cavatappi
- Use freshly-grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from getting too soft in the sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms—this helps them brown properly.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with dry white wine before adding the chicken stock.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While Kaizen Cavatappi is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap it for Kaizen Fusilli, Ziti, or Radiatori and still get the same delicious results.
2. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything as directed, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop and add a little broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
5. What proteins can I use instead of chicken?
Try shrimp, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist on this creamy pasta dish.
How to Store & Reheat
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Cavatappi is the perfect blend of rich, cheesy, and savory flavors—all while being low in carbs and high in protein.
With Kaizen Cavatappi Pasta, you get all the satisfaction of a classic pasta dish without the carb crash. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
For the best high-protein, low-carb pasta, grab Kaizen Cavatappi: Shop Here