We all know the feeling: it’s been a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. You’re tired, hungry, and the thought of cleaning up multiple pots and pans after cooking is just too much. That’s where this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe comes in. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious, comforting, and, most importantly, easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is designed to make your life easier without sacrificing flavor. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress your family or guests. Here’s why this recipe should be on your weekly rotation:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, so you don’t have to worry about a pile of dishes afterward.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream creates a rich, creamy sauce that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless (about 1 pound total)
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Spinach (Optional): 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
These proportions will serve about 4 people. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd or want leftovers, you can easily double the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season Chicken:
- Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper on both sides. I like using non-stick frying pan.
Sear Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Garlic:
- In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Cook Rice:
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the pan.
- Place the seared chicken breasts back on top of the rice.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add Cream and Cheese:
- Remove the chicken breasts again and set aside.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- If using, add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach.
- Stir until the sauce is creamy and the spinach is slightly wilted.
Finish Cooking:
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan.
- Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
- Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
To ensure your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and spinach will give you the best flavor. Avoid using pre-grated cheese or garlic powder if possible.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of broth or add a bit more Parmesan cheese. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken continues to cook with the rice, be careful not to overcook it during the initial searing. It should be golden brown on the outside but still slightly pink in the middle when you first remove it from the pan.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: This recipe is highly versatile. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas for some extra flavor and texture. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey if you’re looking to switch things up.
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Next time you’re in need of a quick and delicious dinner, give this Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe a try. It’s a simple, easy, no-fuss dinner. You don’t need many ingredients; also this recipe is “one pan” meaning that you only have one pan to clean once you are done.
Enjoy!
