If you’re looking for a simple, comforting, and delicious dinner, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need! Made with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Best of all, everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes, more convenience!
✔ Creamy & Flavorful: Rich Parmesan sauce with seasoned chicken.
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes.
✔ Family-Friendly: A meal everyone will love!
✔ Customizable: Add veggies or swap proteins.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice & Sauce:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Rice
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, paprika, and parsley and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat in the flavors.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together.
- Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
✔ Don’t overcook the rice—stir occasionally and add extra broth if needed.
✔ Make it veggie-packed by adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
✔ Swap proteins—this works great with shrimp or turkey!
✔ For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
How to Serve
This dish is a full meal on its own but pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or a side of crusty bread.
- A simple green salad for freshness.
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
Freeze: Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces may separate when thawed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fat: ~22g
Values may vary based on substitutions.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its best—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy weeknight meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor.
Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out! 😊
Hi, I’m Emma Collins, a 24-year-old mom of two daughters and a little boy who keeps life full of energy. Cooking is my passion and my way of bringing my family together. Whether I’m experimenting with new recipes or perfecting old favorites, I love making meals that are simple, delicious, and full of love. As a busy mom, I’ve learned how to keep things quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. I’m excited to share my recipes and tips with you, hoping they inspire you to create memorable moments in your own kitchen with your loved ones.