Quick & Zesty One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions like this one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice that brings comfort straight to your table.

Tender chicken nestles into a bed of perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious meal that satisfies deep hunger.

The parmesan adds a rich, savory depth that makes every bite memorable.

Minimal dishes and maximum flavor combine in this effortless recipe that comes together quickly.

Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction without complicated cooking techniques.

The creamy sauce binds ingredients together in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Why Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Comforts

• Simplify Cooking: Craft a delicious meal using just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Packed with Flavor: Combine tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering dish that satisfies comfort food cravings.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this recipe offers a complete meal with protein and carbs in a single pan, making it ideal for quick and delightful dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables or swapping seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and keep meals exciting.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless meat that provides the protein base for this creamy one-pan dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the overall dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, savory base note to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and prevent sticking in the skillet.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and additional flavor to the rice cooking process.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture and rich taste in the final dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh color and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken in Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious crispy exterior.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and releases its aromatic essence.

Step 3: Build the Rice Base

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the liquid to start absorbing into the rice.

Step 4: Return Chicken to Skillet

Carefully place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.

Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 20-25 minutes.

Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Finish

Once the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the dish.

Stir gently to create a luxuriously creamy texture that coats the chicken and rice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve the one-pan meal hot, straight from the skillet.

Tips for Cozy Chicken Soup

• Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing to create a delicious golden crust that seals in moisture.
• Use the same skillet for cooking chicken, garlic, and rice to build layers of flavor and minimize cleanup time.
• Stir rice occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even, fluffy consistency throughout the dish.
• Add parmesan cheese at the end of cooking to create a creamy, velvety sauce without breaking or separating the cheese.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal note that adds color and freshness to the creamy chicken and rice.

New Soup Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Skillet: Use cauliflower rice as a substitute for traditional rice, ensuring all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Rice Option: Swap rice with riced zucchini, reduce cream quantity, and increase protein portion for a lighter meal.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap Italian seasoning with oregano and thyme, use feta cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this one-pan chicken and rice alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Fresh Herbal Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add brightness and enhance the dish's visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Veggie Companion: Roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts as a complementary side dish to complete the nutritious dinner plate.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy, savory dish with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the dining experience.

Soup Storage for Cold Days

• Transfer leftover chicken and rice to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more broth.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a simple blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions as a substitute.

• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy texture.

One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor comfort with this one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice, a harmonious blend of tender chicken and silky rice wrapped in rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty flavors meld seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (375°F).
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, releasing its robust flavor profile.
4. Incorporate uncooked rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
5. Carefully nestle seared chicken pieces atop the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution. Cover skillet and reduce heat, allowing contents to cook for 18-22 minutes, occasionally rotating rice to prevent sticking.
6. Verify rice tenderness and internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F. Fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the dish.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for added color and brightness. Serve immediately while piping hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken and rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg