Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet (Creamy & One-Pan Easy)

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet is rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavor. Juicy chicken is seared to perfection and coated in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that comes together in one pan. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners but tastes like something from a restaurant.

Serves: 3–4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min

Why This Works:

• The garlic and parmesan build a rich base
• Rich, creamy sauce with bold garlic and parmesan flavor
• One-pan recipe for easy cleanup
• Juicy, pan-seared chicken with a golden crust
• Simple ingredients with restaurant-quality results

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs), sliced or pounded thin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Prep:

1. Pound chicken to even thickness
2. Mince garlic
3. Grate parmesan if using fresh
4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165F Internal Temp)
3. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Return chicken to the pan and coat in the sauce.
9. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Garlic press (optional)

Great with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Steamed broccoli
• Garlic bread

Notes:

• Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor
• Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy
• Add spinach or mushrooms for variation
• Thin sauce with a splash of broth if needed
• Let sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Juicy chicken in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce made in one skillet for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1 lb chicken breast (or thighs), sliced or pounded thin

2 tbsp olive oil

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ cup chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Chef's knife
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Garlic Press

Method

 

Prep:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain
2. Slice chicken into even strips
3. Mince garlic
4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan.
8. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
9. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work great
• Add spinach or broccoli for an easy variation
• Fresh parmesan gives the smoothest sauce
• Pound chicken evenly so it cooks fast and stays tender