Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor from garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, making it a satisfying main course that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, which will release the garlic’s rich aroma.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot with your choice of sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Serve this creamy chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- For added flavor and nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes just before returning the chicken to the pan.
- You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
