Easy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

The aroma of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, where tender chicken meets creamy rice, all harmonized with the rich notes of Parmesan cheese. Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Enter this recipe, your new best friend that promises deliciousness without the drama.

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was one of those evenings when takeout seemed too boring, but I didn’t have the energy for anything complicated. As I stirred everything together in one pan, I thought, “This better be worth it.” Spoiler alert: it was! The creamy sauce clung to every grain of rice and morsel of chicken, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests, this recipe will leave your taste buds singing and your kitchen smelling divine.

Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work perfectly; adjust according to how hungry your crowd is.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Use long-grain rice for that fluffy texture that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still packing in flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: A couple of cloves minced adds depth and aroma; fresh beats powdered any day.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shredded, this is what elevates our chicken and rice from basic to extraordinary.
• Heavy Cream: For that luscious creaminess; it’s worth every decadent drop.
• Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients; toss it in at the end for an extra health boost.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your favorite pan over medium heat—an oven-safe skillet works wonders here. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add a splash of olive oil to your heated pan. Once it’s shimmering like a disco ball at a dance party, place the chicken breasts in there. Sear them for about six minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. It’s like giving each piece a perfect tan!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Rice

Remove the chicken from the pan (don’t worry; they’ll return soon!) and toss in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant—about one minute should do it! Next, stir in your uncooked rice until it’s coated with all that garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Cream

Here comes the magic! Pour chicken broth over your rice mixture along with that heavy cream we love so much. Stir gently to combine everything while letting out an “ooh” at how creamy it looks.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Nestle those golden-brown chicken breasts back into their cozy rice bed. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; cover with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all that wonderful liquid.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Once done cooking, if you’re adding spinach, fold it gently into the mix until wilted—like magic! Finally, sprinkle generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every creamy bite!

And there you have it—a delightful One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice that’s not just easy but downright delicious! Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the rice while preparing your creamy sauce. This sequence ensures flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, swapping out chicken for turkey, or using different cheeses such as cheddar for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through, preserving that creamy goodness.

Sometimes I chuckle thinking about the first time I made this dish—my friends were convinced I had summoned culinary magic when they tasted that creamy perfection.

FAQs:

What are the main ingredients in One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice?

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice features chicken, rice, broth, and fresh vegetables. You’ll need boneless chicken breasts, arborio or long-grain rice, chicken broth for flavor, and a variety of vegetables like peas and spinach. The dish is enriched with creamy flavors from plant-based cream or alternatives. Finally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful richness that ties all the ingredients together.

How can I customize One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice?

You can easily customize One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice to suit your taste. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also substitute chicken with turkey or beef if you prefer different proteins. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Adjust the level of creaminess by increasing or decreasing the plant-based cream used in the recipe.

Can I make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice ahead of time?

Yes, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will last for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain creaminess.

What side dishes pair well with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice?

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a hearty dish that pairs well with various side options. A crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette complements the richness of this recipe beautifully. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a colorful plate. If you’re looking for something more filling, consider garlic bread or a light vegetable soup as excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice:

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with creamy rice and vibrant vegetables. This recipe allows for customization based on personal preferences while ensuring a satisfying meal packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this dish promises convenience without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this creamy delight on its own or paired with fresh sides for a complete culinary experience!

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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings everyone to the table. With juicy chicken, creamy rice, and rich Parmesan, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. In just one pan, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish promises to impress with its delightful flavors and comforting aroma.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients and preheat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in uncooked rice until well-coated.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice absorbs liquid.
6. If using spinach, fold it in until wilted before serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 160mg