If you are craving a comforting and effortlessly delicious dinner, this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken nestled in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce with earthy mushrooms and perfectly cooked rice all coming together in one pan. It’s a beautiful blend of hearty and indulgent flavors that feels both homey and special, without any complicated steps or a mountain of dishes to clean afterward. This recipe is pure comfort food magic, ready in just about 25 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious balance of each ingredient. Every item on this list plays a vital role, from building flavor to creating that irresistible creamy texture and satisfying bite.
- 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness while helping to perfectly brown the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that infuses the chicken with herbaceous warmth.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Ground black pepper to taste: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice: Holds onto the broth and cream perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: The savory base that cooks the rice and deepens flavor.
- 6 ounces sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup): Earthy and juicy, mushrooms bring wonderful depth and texture.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that ties everything together.
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish that is absolutely addictive.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken with Seasonings
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, then sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. This step locks in flavor and forms a tasty base for the dish.
Step 2: Add Rice, Broth, and Mushrooms
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sliced mushrooms. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Let it cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth—this usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The mushrooms will soak up some of that savory goodness while adding delightful texture.
Step 3: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep simmering gently until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some more Parmesan and chopped parsley right on top before serving.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly complements the creamy richness. Additional grated Parmesan on top also intensifies that cheesy, savory flavor that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is a complete meal in itself, light and crisp side dishes work best. Try a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a refreshing contrast. Roasted or sautéed asparagus also pairs wonderfully, adding both crunch and bursts of grassy fresh flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special meal, serve the chicken and mushroom rice in individual shallow bowls, then garnish each with a Parmesan crisp or a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate the earthy mushroom notes. You could also transform leftovers by stuffing the creamy mixture into baked bell peppers or mushroom caps for a fun handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an easy and delicious lunch or dinner to reheat later in the week.
Freezing
Freezing creamy dishes with rice can sometimes affect texture, but this recipe holds up pretty well. Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container. For best results, consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Alternatively, microwave reheats quickly—just cover loosely to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces and adjust cooking time slightly as they might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?
The heavy cream is what gives this dish its signature creamy texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a different but still delicious result. Just note the sauce might be less thick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
What type of mushrooms works best?
Cremini or button mushrooms are perfect for this recipe because they hold their shape and have a pleasant earthy taste, but you could also try baby bella or shiitake for a more robust flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Because it stores and reheats well, this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe is excellent for meal prep, giving you a flavorful, filling meal anytime you need it.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe is truly a home run when you want a cozy, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and the creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and mushrooms makes every bite feel like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this and make it a beloved staple in your family’s dinner rotation!
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One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked with long grain rice, mushrooms, and a delicious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines the rich flavors of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese with hearty mushrooms and creamy textures all cooked in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Rice and Mushrooms
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 6 ounces sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup)
Creamy Sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the diced chicken breast along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces are no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add rice, broth, and mushrooms: Pour in the uncooked long grain rice, chicken broth, and sliced mushrooms. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 15 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Continue to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and optionally garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a low-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use light cream.
- You can add garlic or onion when cooking the chicken for more depth of flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
