One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice: A Delicious Dinner

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When you need a comforting meal without a mountain of dishes, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the answer. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor — yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is seared to perfection, then simmered with rice in a luscious parmesan sauce. With minimal prep and everything cooking in a single pan, this recipe is a true game changer for busy households. Let’s make dinnertime easy and delicious!

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more convenience.
  2. Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor everyone will love.
  3. Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
  4. Comfort Food Classic: A warm, satisfying dish perfect for cozy nights.
  5. Versatile Ingredients: Easily adapt with veggies or spices you have on hand.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Equipment Used

  • Large skillet or sautĂ© pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Directions & Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach (if using). Let the cheese melt and the spinach wilt.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

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Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 chicken breast with rice):

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugar: 2g

Prep Time and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
  • Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use brown rice? Yes, but increase the cooking time to 40-45 minutes.
  2. What can I substitute for parmesan? Try pecorino or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
  3. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
  • Don’t Lift the Lid: Let the rice steam properly.
  • Taste and Adjust: Add more seasoning or cheese to suit your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice with:

  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
  • Simple Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness.
  • Roasted Veggies: Try asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrition.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Elisa
Whip up this one-pan creamy parmesan chicken and rice recipe for an easy, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sautĂ© pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup spinach optional
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. SautĂ© until softened and fragrant.
  • Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Simmer: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  • Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach (if using). Let the cheese melt and the spinach wilt.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
Don’t Lift the Lid: Let the rice steam properly.
Taste and Adjust: Add more seasoning or cheese to suit your preference.
Keyword Parmesan Chicken Rice Creamy Parmesan Chicken Chicken And Rice Casserole Fast Dinner Recipes Creamy Parmesan Favorite Recipes Dinner Parmesan Chicken Chicken Meals Rice Casserole