Irresistible OnePan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice in 40 Min

There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a one-pan meal, isn’t there? It’s like a cozy hug on a plate. I remember lazy Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where the tantalizing aroma of her creamy chicken dishes would waft through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Those meals were not just food; they were love, laughter, and connection. Today, I want to share with you a dish that embodies that same warm feeling: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice.

This recipe is a delightful medley of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender rice, all cooked in one pan! The best part? It’s incredibly easy and quick, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this deliciousness together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in just 40 minutes!
• One pan means less cleanup—yay!
• The creamy, cheesy goodness feels like a warm hug.
• Budget-friendly and filling.
• Perfectly seasoned for comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice:

• 1 lb (about 4 pieces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic packs more flavor!
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real deal, please!)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking!

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Pre-chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them in the hot pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. (Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want a nice sear!)
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
4. Add the Rice: Stir in the rice, letting it toast for about a minute. This little step will enhance the flavor of your rice and make it extra delicious!
5. Pour in the Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Mix in the Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Mix everything well. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.
7. Let it Cook: Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that creaminess. (Watch out: Avoid lifting the lid too frequently; you want to keep all that heat and steam in!)
8. Add the Cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently until melted and creamy. It’s going to be melty magic!
9. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles around your table!

Pro Tips & Variations

Cooking should be fun and creative, so feel free to mix things up!

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach, peas, or broccoli for added nutrients and color.
• Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, try mixing it up with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Zesty: Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright, fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is truly a meal in itself, but you can elevate your serving experience! Here’s how I love to enjoy it:

• With Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• A Glass of Wine: If you’re in the mood, a glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you can easily refrigerate or freeze your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to moisten the rice.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more broth.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the dish may be a little less creamy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!

What type of chicken can I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully too if you prefer a bit more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

I hope you find as much joy in making this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice as I do! It’s perfect for bringing friends and family together for a cozy meal. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Please drop me a comment below and share your experience or any tasty twists you tried! Happy cooking!

Irresistible OnePan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice in 40 Min

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cook up this creamy Parm chicken rice in just 40 min Perfect for a quick delicious meal that will delight your taste buds 152 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup of long-grain white rice

2 cups of chicken broth

1 cup of heavy cream

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Pre-chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them in the hot pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft.

Add the Rice: Stir in the rice and let it toast for about a minute.

Pour in the Broth: Gradually add chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Mix in the Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Mix well. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Let it Cook: Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Add the Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently until melted.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

A comforting one-pan meal with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender rice ready in just 40 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 600 calories
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Fat: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 48 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 32 grams

Keywords: One-Pan, Creamy, Parmesan, Chicken, Rice, Easy Dinner, Quick Meal