One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice: A Comforting and Satisfying Meal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the perfect balance of ease and indulgence. It combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. With layers of flavor from garlic, broth, and cheese, this dish is a true comfort food that’s both filling and simple to make. Ideal for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep while delivering a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the pan. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice

In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it’s well-coated with the oil and garlic.

3. Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add the Chicken and Cheese

Once the rice is tender, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and paprika. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Optional: Add Spinach

If using spinach, stir it in at the end and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
• Use Different Proteins: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different spin.
• Add More Veggies: Peas, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers work beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add extra liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great alternatives with similar flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat with extra broth to bring back its creamy texture.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Stir occasionally while cooking and use a nonstick or well-seasoned stainless steel pan.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that all ingredients, including broth and seasoning, are gluten-free.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary complement the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Simply stir in pre-cooked shredded or diced chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to children.

How do I make this dish even creamier?

Add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream or melt in some cream cheese at the end.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes! After adding the broth and cream, cover the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a go-to meal when you need something satisfying yet simple. The rich flavors, creamy texture, and minimal cleanup make it a weeknight favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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