If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously smooth garlic-parmesan sauce brightened up by lemon, it’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and impresses your taste buds all at once. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta effortlessly balances richness and zing, making every bite a simple but satisfying delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of cooked brown mushroom pieces, scattered unevenly on a pan. The mushrooms have a shiny, browned surface with slight charring. Small white bits of chopped garlic and green rosemary sprigs are spread over the mushrooms, adding texture and color contrast. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture with some browned residue from cooking. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the long list intimidate you—each ingredient here plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. From the creamy parmesan to the fresh lemon juice, these components come together to create a truly memorable plate.

200 g dried pasta (or 300 g fresh): Choose your favorite shape to soak up that delicious sauce beautifully.
2 chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for tender meat that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon flour (optional): This helps create a slight crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce subtly.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity base for sautéing the chicken and mushrooms.
1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and helps brown the mushrooms perfectly.
200 g mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, they absorb the garlic and herb-infused flavors wonderfully.
4 garlic cloves, finely diced: Infuses the sauce with its warm, aromatic bite.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (or a mix): Bright herbal notes elevate the overall flavor profile.
½ cup chicken stock (preferably low sodium): Adds depth and moistens the sauce without overpowering.
¾ cup light cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture that coats every bite.
1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus zest, to serve): Adds an irresistible touch of brightness and freshness.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to keep things interesting.
¼–½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
50 g parmesan, finely grated: A nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
½ cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped: Adds a splash of green and freshness in every forkful.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in plenty of well-salted water, but here’s a little trick: cook it just shy of al dente by about one minute. This prevents overcooking when tossing in the pan later and keeps your noodles perfectly tender. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it’s magic for loosening the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a great sear, then season them liberally with salt and pepper. Lightly dusting them with flour creates a lovely golden crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then place the chicken smooth-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for about 7 minutes so it forms that beautiful color. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked, then set aside covered loosely by foil to keep warm and juicy.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Build Flavor

In the same skillet, toss in butter along with an extra drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add your sliced mushrooms, cooking mostly undisturbed over medium heat, turning once after about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them rich golden brown for that deep flavor. Then, add the finely diced garlic and fresh rosemary or thyme, cooking for about a minute until the kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible depth to the sauce. Stir in the light cream and bring just to a simmer, careful not to boil. Now, push the mushrooms aside and add the parmesan in two parts, stirring to melt fully between additions; this step creates an ultra-smooth and cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Seasoning and Combine

Add black pepper, sea salt to taste, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir quickly to ensure everything combines smoothly with the creamy sauce. Slice your rested chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently, letting it bubble softly for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. If the sauce feels thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your liking.

Step 6: Toss in Fresh Parsley and Serve

Finally, stir through chopped parsley for a refreshing contrast and a burst of herbal brightness. Plate your pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of lemon zest and a little extra parmesan for a dazzling presentation and final punch of flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe

The image shows a white plate with rigatoni pasta served in a creamy sauce, mixed with sliced brown mushrooms and light brown cooked chicken pieces. The pasta and mushrooms are coated evenly with the creamy sauce and sprinkled with fresh green herbs on top. A silver fork rests on the right side of the pasta pile. Above the plate, there is a metal pan filled with the same rigatoni pasta, chicken, and mushrooms in the creamy sauce, along with a black and white patterned spoon resting inside. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this dish even more inviting, top it with freshly grated parmesan, a scattering of finely chopped parsley, and a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper. A little lemon zest on top truly elevates the brightness and keeps every bite lively and fresh.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette, adding texture and a tangy contrast. Garlic bread or a rustic ciabatta loaf are also perfect companions to help mop up every last drop of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or a special treat, serve the pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful herbs beautifully. Garnish each plate with extra lemon zest and parmesan curls made with a vegetable peeler to impress guests with both flavor and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it a delicious lunch or dinner option the following day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the pasta and sauce separately from any fresh garnishes. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to avoid the sauce breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore its creamy consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut; just be careful not to overcook it as breasts tend to dry out more quickly than thighs.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe really shines with white button or cremini mushrooms due to their mild flavor and meaty texture, but feel free to experiment with shiitake or portobello for richer results.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice?

Absolutely! The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the cream and parmesan, lifting the entire dish beautifully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and using a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture will differ from the classic recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, or serve with a dash of hot sauce on the side to kick up the heat without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting yet bright, easy yet impressive. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try soon because once you taste this perfect balance of creamy, savory, and zesty, it’s bound to become a regular in your weeknight rotation or a go-to for welcoming guests. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing and your appetite will be more than satisfied!