One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory chicken flavor. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, this dish is a go-to for weeknight meals. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, saving time and effort while packing in layers of flavor.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and bursting with cheesy richness, this is the one for you. The addition of fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes gives it a pop of color and freshness, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner, or impress guests with this effortless yet flavorful dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the rice and toast for about 1-2 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Mix everything together until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
6. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4

The Perfect Weeknight Comfort Meal

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces with perfectly cooked rice in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

This dish is inspired by classic comfort food flavors, with a creamy base made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, infused with garlic, oregano, and paprika for a well-balanced taste. The addition of fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes brings a vibrant touch to the dish, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a single pan saves time and effort while enhancing the flavors as they meld together.
✔ Creamy & Cheesy: The rich Parmesan sauce coats every bite, making this dish irresistibly creamy.
✔ Protein-Packed: With lean chicken breast, this dish is high in protein and satisfying.
✔ Vegetable Boost: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add nutrients, color, and freshness.
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a stress-free dinner.

Tips for Success

• Use a Heavy Skillet: A deep skillet or non-stick pan works best for even cooking and preventing rice from sticking.
• Toast the Rice: Briefly toasting the rice in garlic butter enhances its flavor before adding liquids.
• Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer for a few extra minutes. For a looser sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or cream before serving.
• Parmesan Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-packaged cheese may not melt as smoothly due to added starches.

Variations & Substitutions

💡 Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
💡 Switch the Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different twist.
💡 Use Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice; just extend the cooking time and add more broth.
💡 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
💡 Extra Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition and texture.

How to Store & Reheat

📦 Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back its creamy texture. It can also be microwaved in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

What to Serve With One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

🥗 Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
🥖 Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for extra greens.

This dish is not only a lifesaver on busy nights but also a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

Main Components:

✔ Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
✔ Long-Grain White Rice: The base of this dish, soaking up all the rich flavors from the broth and cream. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different texture.
✔ Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.
✔ Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy, rich texture that makes this dish so comforting. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
✔ Parmesan Cheese: Gives the dish a delicious umami taste and contributes to the creamy consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for maximum flavor.

Seasonings & Aromatics:

✔ Garlic: Adds a rich and fragrant aroma, enhancing the depth of flavor in the sauce.
✔ Oregano & Paprika: These seasonings give a slightly earthy and smoky touch to the dish, balancing out the creaminess.
✔ Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Vegetable Additions:

✔ Spinach: A nutritious addition that adds freshness and color. It wilts beautifully into the dish without overpowering the flavors.
✔ Cherry Tomatoes: A pop of acidity that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce, balancing the overall taste.

Why This Recipe Works

🌟 One-Pan Cooking: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
🌟 Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements makes every bite satisfying.
🌟 Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this meal is ideal for weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
🌟 Nutritious Additions: Spinach and cherry tomatoes not only enhance the dish’s appearance but also boost its nutritional value.
🌟 Family-Friendly: The mild, creamy flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

How to Make It Step by Step

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Brown the bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil with seasonings. This step locks in flavor and creates a nice sear.
2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic & Rice: After removing the chicken, cook the garlic until fragrant, then toast the rice slightly to enhance its flavor.
3️⃣ Simmer the Rice: Add chicken broth and let the rice cook until tender, allowing it to absorb all the savory goodness.
4️⃣ Add the Cream & Chicken: Pour in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the pan, letting it all come together in a rich sauce.
5️⃣ Finish with Cheese & Veggies: Stir in Parmesan, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, letting them blend into the dish for a creamy, colorful finish.

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

🔸 Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs the broth well without becoming mushy. Avoid using instant or parboiled rice.
🔸 Don’t Skip Toasting the Rice: Lightly toasting the rice before adding the broth gives it a slightly nutty flavor and prevents clumping.
🔸 Adjust Creaminess: For a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes. If you prefer it lighter, add a splash of broth before serving.
🔸 Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan may not melt smoothly due to added anti-caking agents. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures a velvety texture.
🔸 Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper taste, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.

Variations & Customization Ideas

✅ Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
✅ Protein Swap: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
✅ Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, but reduce the broth amount.
✅ Cheese Lovers: Mix in some shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.
✅ Extra Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions.

Storage & Meal Prep

📌 Make-Ahead Tips: This dish can be made in advance and stored for meal prep.
📌 Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
📌 Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the rice.
📌 Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the cream sauce may slightly separate when reheated. If freezing, store in portions and add a little cream when reheating.

What to Serve With One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

🍞 Garlic Bread: A crispy slice is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Side Salad: A light arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
🥦 Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus pair beautifully with the creamy flavors.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a foolproof dish that delivers deliciousness with minimal effort. It’s an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal that will become a staple in your home.