why make this recipe
Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet is a perfect dish for any time of the year. It combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and Parmesan cheese with tender chicken, making it both comforting and satisfying. This one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish brings warmth and deliciousness to your table.
how to make Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
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 the 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 the 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.
- 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 serve Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Serve the creamy pumpkin Parmesan chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce over the chicken for added flavor. You can also add a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables on the side to complete your meal.
how to store Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
tips to make Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; you want it golden brown on the outside but juicy inside.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely flavor, but you can use dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
- To make it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before serving.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the skillet for extra nutrition. Some people also like to add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a nice crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even cooking.
-
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
- Yes, other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can work well, but they will change the flavor profile a bit.
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Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
- Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it great for meal prep.
Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-pan meal combining pumpkin and Parmesan with tender chicken, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
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 the 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 the 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.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes with extra sauce over the chicken.
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be golden brown on the outside but juicy inside. Fresh basil adds great flavor but dried basil can also be used. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes for spice level and let the sauce simmer longer for thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, pumpkin, Parmesan, skillet, one-pan meal, easy dinner