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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Skillet

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Skillet - featured image
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This easy one-pan dinner features tender chicken, fluffy rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s pure comfort food with bold Italian flavors, ready in under an hour and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 large cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Zest or juice from 1/2 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in rinsed rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until glossy and nutty-smelling.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and a pinch more salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  6. Stir in seared chicken (and any juices), heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan. Simmer uncovered for another 5-8 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender. Adjust consistency with more broth or cream if needed.
  7. Fold in chopped spinach and let wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding lemon juice or zest if desired.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, don’t crowd the chicken when searing. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a silkier sauce. If using brown rice, increase broth and cooking time. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream. Add-ins like mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts work great.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, creamy chicken skillet, one pan dinner, garlic Parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, Italian skillet, weeknight dinner, comfort food, sun-dried tomato chicken, spinach chicken skillet

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-tuscan-garlic-parmesan-chicken-and-rice-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner/