If you crave a dish that tastes like pure comfort with a touch of elegance, you are going to adore this Creamy Chicken Riseling with Bacon and Mushrooms over Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious Riesling cream sauce, infused with the smoky charm of crisp bacon and the earthy goodness of sautéed mushrooms. Served over a bed of rich, buttery parmesan-coated spaghetti, this meal is a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both hearty and sophisticated. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off anytime you want to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients work in harmony to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe unforgettable. Each plays a crucial role, from the crunchy salty bacon to the fragrant garlic and the luscious cream that ties everything together.
- Bacon (5-6 strips, cut into small pieces): Adds irresistible smoky flavor and crisp texture that balances the creamy sauce.
- Chicken breasts (2 large, cut in half lengthwise): The protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce, staying tender and juicy.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle seasoning that enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, just enough to complement but not overshadow the bacon’s saltiness.
- Flour (for dredging): Creates a light coating that helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust and thickens the sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons plus extra for pasta): Adds richness and smooth texture both in the sauce and the pasta finishing.
- Cremini mushrooms (7 ounces, sliced): Brings earthiness and meaty texture, perfectly paired with wine and cream.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses the mushrooms with warm Mediterranean herbs that complement the flavors.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Adds freshness and fragrant depth right before the wine reduction.
- Riesling wine (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that lends fruity acidity and zest to brighten the creamy sauce.
- Heavy/whipping cream (3/4 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly silky and luscious.
- Spaghetti (8 ounces, uncooked): Serves as the perfect canvas for the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): Provides the nutty, salty finish to the pasta that ties the entire dish together.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Riseling with Bacon and Mushrooms over Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Buttered Pasta
Start by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Timing is key here—we want the pasta to finish around the same time as the chicken. Once drained, toss the hot pasta immediately with butter and freshly grated Parmesan while it’s still in the pot. This ensures that every strand is beautifully coated in a glossy, cheesy layer that’s ready to soak up the creamy sauce later. Keep it covered and warm until serving.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry them on medium-high heat until they are irresistibly crispy. Don’t rush this step; the crispiness provides important texture contrast. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of that flavorful bacon fat in the skillet to cook the chicken.
Step 3: Season and Flour the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces, which helps cook the chicken evenly and faster. Lightly dust them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper—remember, bacon adds saltiness so go easy on the salt here. Then dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This step creates a nice crust and gives the sauce a subtle thickness once combined.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Return your skillet with the bacon fat to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the outside is golden but the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet. This quick sear locks in moisture and flavor. Then remove the chicken to a plate—don’t worry, it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 5: Sauté Mushrooms with Seasoning
In the same skillet, toss in butter, sliced mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms have cooked down, released their moisture, and started to get a beautiful brown sear. This first step imparts deep umami flavor that makes the sauce unbelievably rich.
Step 6: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about one minute until fragrant. This fresh garlic punch is just the aromatic lift this sauce needs right before deglazing.
Step 7: Deglaze with Riesling
Pour in the Riesling wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to bubble and reduce by half—this concentrates the sweet, fruity notes that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 8: Finish the Creamy Sauce with Chicken and Bacon
Stir in the heavy cream, then nestle the chicken pieces and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately on top of your parmesan buttered pasta for a mouthwatering experience.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Riseling with Bacon and Mushrooms over Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a vibrant pop of color and freshness to the dish, balancing the rich creaminess. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving enhances the savory goodness even more, making every bite satisfying.
Side Dishes
This luxurious dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts add earthiness and texture variety, rounding out the meal delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, plate the creamy chicken atop a nest of parmesan pasta and spoon mushrooms and bacon on the side, drizzling extra sauce over everything. Serving in shallow white dishes allows the colors and textures to pop, creating an inviting presentation perfect for dinner parties or special family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the pasta and the creamy chicken sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially the chicken with the sauce without the pasta. Freeze in suitable airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce and chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Reheat the pasta separately in the microwave or a quick toss in a hot pan with a little butter ensures it stays creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to experiment with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente and toss it with butter and Parmesan to keep that creamy base perfect.
What can I substitute for Riesling if I don’t have it?
If Riesling isn’t available, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, white grape juice with a splash of white wine vinegar can mimic the acidity and sweetness.
Is there a way to lighten this recipe?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream, but keep in mind it might not be as rich or thick. Using turkey bacon or chicken thighs instead of breasts can also alter the texture and flavor in a lighter direction.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. The dish’s essence remains, though it will shift slightly in taste.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Cutting the chicken thinly and not overcooking it in the skillet helps retain moisture. Finishing the cooking process gently in the cream sauce keeps the chicken tender and juicy throughout.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of serving up a plate of this Creamy Chicken Riseling with Bacon and Mushrooms over Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to your family table and smiles all around. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s not only a delicious way to impress but also a comforting classic that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for a truly unforgettable dinner experience.
Print
Creamy Chicken Riseling with Bacon and Mushrooms over Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Riesling is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Riesling mushroom sauce, paired perfectly with buttered parmesan spaghetti and crispy bacon pieces. This recipe combines savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of white wine for an elegant yet easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 5–6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Riesling wine
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
For the Buttered Parmesan Spaghetti
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions, timing it to finish around the same time as the chicken. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and immediately toss it with 2 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until the pasta is smoothly coated. Cover and keep warm until serving.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears and fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the skillet from heat, transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, and leave 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into 4 thinner pieces. Season each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper (use salt sparingly because of the bacon). Dredge the chicken pieces in flour and shake off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the skillet with bacon fat to medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to another plate.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter, cremini mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture, cook off the liquid, and get a nice sear.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the Riesling wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine bubble and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked. Spoon sauce over the chicken and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with the buttered parmesan spaghetti.
Notes
- Use kitchen shears to easily cut bacon into small pieces.
- Be cautious with the salt as bacon adds plenty of saltiness to the dish.
- Timing the pasta and chicken to finish together helps serve the dish hot and fresh.
- If Riesling wine is unavailable, use a dry white wine as a substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days and reheated gently.
