Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken (One-Pan, Restaurant-Quality Dinner at Home)
If you’re craving a rich, comforting, restaurant-style meal that feels special but doesn’t require complicated steps or hours in the kitchen, Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, golden pan-seared chicken with a silky garlic cream sauce infused with freshly grated parmesan, sweet roasted red peppers, and fragrant basil. The result? A velvety, flavor-packed skillet dinner that tastes luxurious yet comes together in just 35 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy weekend dinner for guests, Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken checks every box: quick, easy, impressive, and unbelievably delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds — and for the recipe.
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In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, flavor variations, storage ideas, serving suggestions, and helpful cooking secrets that guarantee perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken
There’s something magical about creamy chicken dishes. They’re warm, satisfying, and deeply comforting — but this recipe takes things to another level.
Here’s why this Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation:
First, it’s made in just one pan. That means fewer dishes and less cleanup. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a sink full of pots and pans. Everything cooks together in the same skillet, building layers of flavor with each step.
Second, it uses simple pantry ingredients. No fancy or hard-to-find components here — just butter, garlic, cream, parmesan, basil, and chicken. These everyday ingredients transform into something that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant.
Third, the flavor is unbeatable. The creamy parmesan sauce is savory and rich, the basil adds freshness and brightness, and the roasted red peppers bring a gentle sweetness that balances everything beautifully.
Finally, it’s versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. Make it low-carb or indulgent. Dress it up for guests or keep it casual for family dinner.
Simply put: Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again.
What Makes Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken So Good?
The secret lies in how the flavors build together.
When you sear the chicken first, it develops a golden crust that locks in juices and leaves flavorful browned bits in the pan. Those browned bits are pure gold — they become the foundation of the sauce.
Next, garlic and onion sauté in butter, creating a savory aroma that fills the kitchen. Then the pan is deglazed with wine or chicken stock, lifting all that flavor into the sauce.
Heavy cream brings richness. Fresh parmesan melts into silky smoothness. And finally, basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the creaminess so the dish never feels heavy.
Every component plays a role. Nothing is wasted. That’s why Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken tastes balanced rather than overwhelming.
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken (Serves 4)
Here’s everything you need:
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1 pound chicken breast (2 large breasts)
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ yellow onion, finely minced
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3–4 oz roasted red peppers, thinly sliced
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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1½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (plus extra for garnish)
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1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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½ cup white wine or chicken stock
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into thinner cutlets. This ensures quick and even cooking. Pound gently until uniform in thickness.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Thin, even chicken means juicier results — a crucial step for perfect Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
This sear creates that irresistible flavor base.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the remaining butter to the same pan.
Stir in onion, garlic, roasted red peppers, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Your kitchen will smell incredible at this stage.
Step 4: Deglaze
Pour in wine or chicken stock.
Let it simmer and reduce by half while scraping up the browned bits.
This step intensifies flavor dramatically.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low.
Add heavy cream and simmer gently until thickened.
Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
Add basil and cook briefly until wilted.
Now you have a rich, silky sauce — the heart of Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken.
Step 6: Finish
Return chicken to the pan.
Spoon sauce over the top and warm through.
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken
If you want your dish to taste restaurant-quality every time, follow these tips:
Always grate parmesan fresh. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt smoothly and can make sauces grainy.
Don’t boil the cream sauce. Gentle simmering prevents separation.
Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
Use fresh basil — dried basil won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Parmesan adds saltiness, so season carefully.
Delicious Serving Ideas
One of the best things about Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken is how flexible it is.
Serve it over:
Fettuccine or pasta to soak up every drop of sauce
Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed white rice
Garlic butter rice
Crusty bread
Roasted vegetables
Cauliflower rice for low-carb
Zucchini noodles
Polenta
No matter how you plate it, the sauce is the star.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the base recipe, you can easily customize it.
Add mushrooms for earthiness.
Stir in spinach for extra greens.
Use sun-dried tomatoes for tangy depth.
Swap basil for thyme or parsley.
Add lemon zest for brightness.
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Each variation still keeps the core spirit of Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken while offering something new.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Leftovers are fantastic.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is possible, but cream sauces may separate slightly. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Basil Chicken (One-Pan, Restaurant-Quality Dinner at Home)
This Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Tender pan-seared chicken is simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce with parmesan, fresh basil, and roasted red peppers. It’s made in one pan, ready in just 35 minutes, and packed with comforting flavor.
Ingredients
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1 pound chicken breast (2 large breasts)
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ yellow onion, finely minced
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3–4 oz roasted red peppers, thinly sliced
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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1½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (plus extra for garnish)
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1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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½ cup white wine or chicken stock
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Pound to an even thickness for faster, even cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Add onion, garlic, roasted red peppers, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Cook about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Pour in the wine (or chicken stock). Simmer until reduced by half, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer until slightly thickened.
Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Mix in basil and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Warm for a few minutes, then serve.
Notes
• Pounding chicken ensures juicy, evenly cooked pieces
• Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded
• Let the sauce simmer gently — boiling can cause separation
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
• Leftovers store well for 3–4 days
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
Calories: 661 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 52g
Saturated Fat: 31g
Cholesterol: 239mg
This makes Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken perfect for low-carb or keto lifestyles.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights
Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special.
This recipe proves that simple ingredients, one skillet, and smart techniques can produce extraordinary results. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken delivers comfort food satisfaction without stress.
You can go from fridge to table in just 35 minutes — faster than ordering takeout.
And honestly? It tastes better too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Can I substitute milk for cream?
Cream is recommended for richness. Milk will make the sauce thinner.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You could experiment with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but the flavor will change.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free as written.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to easy comfort food that tastes elegant and impressive, Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken truly stands out. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
From the tender golden chicken to the velvety parmesan basil sauce, every bite feels cozy, rich, and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table and makes weeknights feel special.
If you try just one new dinner recipe this week, make it Creamy Parmesan Basil Chicken. Once you do, it’s guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your home — the recipe you reach for whenever you want something comforting, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
