why make this recipe
This dish is fast, creamy, and full of warm fall flavor. It uses pumpkin puree and Parmesan to make a rich sauce. You get a tasty weeknight meal with simple ingredients and little work. If you like quick chicken ideas, check out 7 quick easy chicken meals for more simple dishes.
introduction
This recipe cooks chicken in a smooth pumpkin and Parmesan sauce. The sauce is creamy but not heavy. You can make it in one skillet and serve it with rice, pasta, or bread. It is a good meal when you want comfort food without a long cook time. For another Parmesan twist, see lemon garlic Parmesan cod.
how to make Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to low and add garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until garlic is golden.
- Add chicken broth, pumpkin puree, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet and bring sauce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Stir in half of the basil. Adjust seasoning if needed. Top with remaining basil and shaved Parmesan before serving.
For ideas to speed prep or swap protein, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken in this sauce—see uses for rotisserie chicken at 25 genius ways to use rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients :
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more, shaved, for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, divided
Directions :
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to low and add garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until garlic is golden.
- Add chicken broth, pumpkin puree, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet and bring sauce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Stir in half of the basil. Adjust seasoning if needed. Top with remaining basil and shaved Parmesan before serving.
how to serve Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Finish with extra shaved Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
how to store Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is thick. You can freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Dry the chicken with a paper towel before seasoning. That helps a good sear.
- Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for better flavor and smoother melting.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth while it heats.
- For a faster meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of raw breasts. See ideas at 25 genius ways to use rotisserie chicken.
variation (if any)
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more veggies.
- Use turkey cutlets instead of chicken for a lean swap.
- Add a few spoonfuls of pesto at the end for a basil boost.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix?
A: No. Use plain pumpkin puree, not the spiced pie mix.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It is mildly spicy from crushed red pepper. Skip the flakes for no heat.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, but the taste will change.
Q: How do I know chicken is done?
A: Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside or until juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger skillet or two pans and adjust cook time as needed.
Conclusion
If you want a similar version with mushrooms and a rich sauce, see Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken with Wild Mushrooms – Abra’s … for another take on this flavor profile.
Print
Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and creamy chicken dish cooked in a pumpkin and Parmesan sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more, shaved, for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, divided
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to low and add garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until garlic is golden.
- Add chicken broth, pumpkin puree, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet and bring sauce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Stir in half of the basil. Adjust seasoning if needed. Top with remaining basil and shaved Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Serve with pasta, rice, or bread, and enjoy with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables. Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, pumpkin, parmesan, creamy, comfort food