Description
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Parmesan Spinach Rice with Spicy Garlic Chicken—a one-pan, easy dinner that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, comforting dinner ideas, or even impressive food ideas for guests. The rice is cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce with fresh spinach folded in, while the chicken brings a punch of garlic and heat. Whether you’re searching for easy recipes, healthy comfort food, or quick dinner ideas, this creamy, spicy, and savory combo has you covered.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
Extra grated Parmesan for garnish
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Lemon zest or juice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Toss sliced chicken in olive oil, paprika, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat evenly.
4. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
6. Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix over low heat until cheese melts and spinach wilts.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Fold it into the rice and warm through for 2–3 minutes.
8. Garnish with extra Parmesan, herbs, or lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese won’t blend as smoothly.
Stir occasionally while simmering the rice to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
For a lighter version, substitute 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy chicken rice, parmesan rice, spicy chicken, one pan meals, dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals