If you’re after a dinner that brings total comfort with minimal fuss, you’ll fall head over heels for One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice. Every spoonful is decadently creamy and packed with savory flavors, and best of all—it all cooks in a single pan, so cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All in One Pan: You only need one skillet for this meal, which means less mess and more time enjoying your evening!
- Ultra Creamy Texture: The mix of heavy cream and parmesan guarantees every bite is melt-in-your-mouth luscious.
- Big Flavors, Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you get deep savory notes from chicken, mushrooms, and herbs.
- Family Friendly (and Company Worthy!): One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is always a hit with kids and adults, and it’s nice enough for guests too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create layers of creamy, herby, and savory flavor. Every element plays a part in building that irresistible “just one more bite” comfort. Here’s what makes it sing:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Diced chicken cooks quickly and absorbs all that rich, cheesy sauce right in the pan.
- Olive Oil: Gives your chicken a gorgeous, golden sear and brings out the Italian seasoning’s aroma.
- Italian Seasoning: This classic blend adds gentle herbal notes—think oregano, basil, and thyme—to every bite.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t hold back here! These basics make all the other flavors pop.
- Long Grain Rice: Choose a classic white long grain rice—it stays fluffy but soaks up all that creamy, parmesan magic.
- Chicken Broth: The backbone of the rice’s flavor, richer than water and an instant flavor booster.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms add a deeply savory undertone and tender bites throughout.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is your secret to that ultra-luxurious texture (no skimping—the richness is so worth it!).
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: The salty, nutty punch that turns your skillet dinner into pure comfort food.
Variations
No two weeknights are the same, and that’s what makes One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice such a lifesaver! It’s endlessly flexible, so you can riff on the flavors or ingredients based on what you have in the fridge, your dietary needs, or your mood.
- Switch Up the Protein: Try diced turkey breast, cooked Italian sausage, or even shrimp for a fun twist on the classic.
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the mushrooms, or toss in some spinach and peas for extra veggie goodness!
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter (yet still creamy) version—just simmer a minute longer for thickness.
- Try Different Cheeses: Stir in asiago, fontina, or even a handful of sharp cheddar for a new flavor profile.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice
Step 1: Sauté Your Chicken
Heat up your olive oil in a roomy skillet—10 or 12 inches is perfect! Add that diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken brown on all sides, stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s cooked through and has plenty of flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Simmer Rice and Mushrooms
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sliced mushrooms. Cover with a lid and let everything gently bubble and steam together for 15–20 minutes. The rice will drink up all the savory broth and become tender, while the mushrooms turn wonderfully soft.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan
Burst open the lid and pour in the heavy cream, along with the parmesan cheese. Stir lovingly, letting everything mingle for 2–3 minutes as the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into gorgeous richness. Taste and season once more if needed!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the creamy chicken and rice into bowls, then scatter over extra parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley if you’ve got it. The skillet goes straight to the table and you get all the homemade comfort, with barely any dishes to wash.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice
- Rice Texture Matters: Use classic long grain white rice for fluffy results—avoid instant rice, which can turn mushy.
- Mushrooms Love Heat: Sauté mushrooms until they start to caramelize for unbeatable umami flavor before simmering with the rice.
- Don’t Skimp on Parmesan: Use freshly shredded parmesan for the best melting power and a richer, deeper taste.
- Let It Rest: After you turn off the heat, leave the lid on for 3–5 minutes to help the flavors finish mingling and the rice set up beautifully.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh parsley is all you need to dress up each serving. If you love a little zing, a grating of lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil makes it feel restaurant special. A few cracked black pepper flakes can also add a gentle heat!
Side Dishes
Since One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is a meal in itself, side dishes can be simple—think a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or simple steamed green beans. And don’t forget a piece of crusty bread to mop up all that luscious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the skillet at the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. Or, to impress guests, pile the creamy chicken and rice into wide, shallow bowls and add a beautiful scatter of microgreens or extra mushrooms pan-fried in butter—simple touches, big “wow” factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely, then pack them up in airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice keeps for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may separate a bit on thawing. If you want to freeze, do so in individual portions; thaw overnight in the fridge, and be prepared to stir it well and maybe add a splash of cream or broth to bring it back together when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce so it becomes creamy again. A quick microwave zap with a cover (and a stir halfway through) also works nicely for busy lunches.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just know that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need additional broth. Start with the same method, but simmer for 35–40 minutes or until the rice is tender, adding broth as needed.
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Is it possible to make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free cream (like coconut or oat cream), and use a vegan parmesan alternative. The final texture and taste will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
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What kind of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work beautifully for One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice. You can also try a mix of wild mushrooms for extra earthy flavor.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead for busy weeknights?
You sure can! Dice the chicken, measure your ingredients, and even slice the mushrooms a day ahead, so everything’s ready to go. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes start to finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something creamy, cozy, and downright irresistible, give One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice a try! It’s the kind of recipe that’ll bring the whole family running to the table—and you’ll love how easy it is to make, serve, and savor. Enjoy every bite!
Print
One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice. Tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy parmesan cheese come together in a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 6 ounces sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until no longer pink.
- Prepare the Mushroom Rice: Add rice, chicken broth, and mushrooms to the skillet. Simmer until rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
