If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that checks all the boxes—creamy, satisfying, and made in a single skillet—then One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is about to become your new go-to! This dish brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, velvety rice, and just the right touch of fresh spinach and herbs, all smothered in a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce. With simple ingredients and no-fuss steps, it’s an absolute weeknight hero that’ll have everyone racing to the table with excitement.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the magic of this recipe: every ingredient is easy to find but absolutely crucial for creating layers of flavor, rich texture, and that beautiful pop of green that makes dinner feel just a bit more special. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each does its part in this irresistible One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice.

Olive Oil: Gives richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and soaks up all the savory seasonings perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a herby, aromatic twist that ties everything together.
Onion: Adds sweet depth and a subtle bite to the one-pan base.
Garlic: Lends a fragrant, savory backbone that makes every bite irresistible.
Long-Grain White Rice: Absorbs the creamy sauce and keeps its texture perfectly tender.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with a hearty, savory flavor.
Heavy Cream: Creates that signature silkiness while enriching the sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty, cheesy goodness.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, extra nutrition, and freshness to the finished meal.
Fresh Parsley: A zippy, bright finishing touch for flavor and a pop of green!

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Seasoned Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them into the hot pan. Let them sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring to get every edge beautifully golden. This step locks in those juicy flavors! Once they’re lightly browned, scoop out the chicken and set it aside—you’ll add it back in later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan (don’t clean it, those browned bits are gold!), add chopped onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes. Once it’s translucent, stir in the garlic for just 30 seconds, until it’s dreamy and aromatic. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice straight to the skillet and give it a minute over the heat. Toasting the rice in all those oniony, garlicky flavors helps create a nutty undertone that sets this dish apart.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stir everything together, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Drop the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the flavors meld and the rice cook for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

When the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes everything extra luscious. Return the browned chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach. Give it all a big stir until the greens are wilted and the chicken is warmed through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Finish your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with extra Parmesan shavings and a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of chili flakes can also add a touch of heat if you like a little kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is totally satisfying on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to stretch it further, try serving with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted broccoli. These sides balance out the rich, creamy rice and make for a complete and cheerful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests, scoop portions into shallow bowls and top each with extra greens or a soft-poached egg. Try serving family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe, or pack leftovers in lunchboxes layered with a little extra fresh spinach for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for incredibly satisfying lunches or quick weeknight repeats.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It stores well for up to 2 months. For best results, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the rice tender rather than mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or a dash of milk to help loosen the creamy sauce. Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot and bubbly again. Stir in a bit of extra fresh spinach or parsley if you want to brighten it back up!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you absolutely can use brown rice! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need a little extra broth; plan on about 15-20 more minutes on the stove and add liquid as needed to keep things creamy.

What can I swap for Parmesan if I don’t have any?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great substitutes. Even a handful of shredded mozzarella or a little cream cheese will add richness, but for true flavor, Parmesan is king in this dish!

Is One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice gluten free?

The classic recipe is naturally gluten free as written, since it relies on rice and fresh ingredients. Always check your chicken broth and seasoning blends to make sure they’re certified gluten free if this is a concern.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! This dish is wonderfully flexible. Try stirring in peas, diced carrots, or even mushrooms along with the spinach for extra texture and nutrition—just cook firmer veggies a few minutes longer to soften them up.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use reduced-fat cheese. You can also use less oil for browning, and throw extra spinach in to bulk it up without adding calories.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to enjoy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice as much as my family does. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together with its rich flavors and cozy vibes, and best of all, it saves you from a mountain of dishes. Give it a try this week—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice dish. Tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a decadent sauce come together for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Rice:

1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then set aside.
Prepare Rice: In the same skillet, cook onion until softened. Add garlic, then rice and toast. Pour in broth and cream, simmer until rice is tender.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan until creamy. Return chicken to skillet with spinach, cook until heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve.