Name: Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

If you’re anything like me, you crave cozy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor or creamy indulgence. That’s why I absolutely love this Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and effortlessly elegant. Once you try it, you’ll find that the silky pumpkin-based sauce paired with nutty Parmesan and tender chicken delivers downright delicious results every time. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to impress guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy pumpkin sauce beautifully coats the chicken, bringing a flavorful, smooth texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Simple and Straightforward: With a handful of pantry staples plus fresh basil, you can whip up this dish quickly without fuss.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for it, and it always gets rave reviews from guests—perfect for casual nights or special occasions.
One-Pan Wonder: It’s a complete meal in one skillet with minimal cleanup—less time scrubbing, more time enjoying.

The dish has three main layers. At the bottom, there is a pile of light yellow pasta noodles with a smooth texture, some noodles looping over others. On top of the pasta, there is an orange creamy sauce lightly spread and dripped along the edges. The top layer is pieces of cooked meat with a light brown, slightly charred surface, sliced and slightly overlapping the pasta. Small green herb leaves and thin pale yellow cheese slices are scattered over the meat and sauce. The food is served on a white plate with a subtle texture. A gold fork is placed on the left side of the plate, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet, pumpkin chicken skillet, creamy pumpkin chicken, pumpkin parm chicken, easy fall chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients really makes this Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe shine. I always recommend picking a good-quality pumpkin puree (no added spices or sugar) and freshly grated Parmesan—trust me, it makes a world of difference in that luscious sauce!

Flat lay of four raw skinless boneless chicken breasts arranged symmetrically, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with pale yellow extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing light orange pumpkin puree, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl with fresh chicken broth, half a lemon cut in half showing fresh juicy pulp, a bunch of packed fresh green basil leaves, and a small pile of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper grains scattered naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet, pumpkin chicken skillet, creamy pumpkin chicken, pumpkin parm chicken, easy fall chicken recipes

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly without drying out.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality oil for searing chicken to get that perfect golden crust.
Garlic cloves: Freshly chopped garlic brings aromatic warmth; avoid pre-minced for best flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds a subtle umami kick and balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives a gentle heat; you can adjust to your liking.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory without overpowering saltiness; you control the salt later.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s plain puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts better and adds a nutty, salty richness.
Heavy cream: Creates that indulgent creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
Lemon juice: Just a squeeze brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced basil adds fresh herbal notes and gorgeous color at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with it to suit different moods or dietary needs, and it always adapts beautifully. Don’t be afraid to customize it to what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

Add Mushrooms: For added earthiness, I stir in sliced cremini mushrooms right after removing the chicken—they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Swap Chicken for Turkey: Ground turkey works well for a leaner twist, just brown it before making the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep it creamy without dairy.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some baby spinach or kale near the end for an easy veggie boost that wilts into the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. I like to use about a teaspoon of salt for this amount of chicken, which helps build layers of flavor. Heat a heavy 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, arrange the chicken in the pan—don’t crowd them. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until you get that glorious golden-brown crust. Flip and repeat. This searing locks in juices and gives you that crave-worthy color. Once done, transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Lush Sauce

Lower the heat to low to prevent burning. Toss in finely chopped garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; the garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden while the tomato paste slightly toasts. This step is crucial for developing rich, roasted flavors in your sauce. Then add the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and lemon juice, plus half a teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together to create that silky base.

Step 3: Simmer, Rest, and Finish

Nestle your seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Turn heat to medium and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the sauce for 5 minutes—that’s when flavors meld and chicken finishes cooking through without drying out. Remove the lid, stir occasionally, and let the sauce thicken for another 5 minutes. It should become luscious and coat the chicken beautifully. Finally, stir in half the basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the rest of the basil, shaved Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for that perfect finishing touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Sear Without Moving: Resist the urge to flip the chicken too soon; a solid golden crust only forms when the meat releases naturally from the pan.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting—fresh is the way to go for this dish.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: That little zing brightens the creamy sauce, balancing out richness beautifully.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling the cream—slow and steady wins here.

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white pot contains four cooked chicken pieces in a thick orange sauce. The chicken pieces are golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and are partly covered by the smooth, rich sauce. Fresh green basil leaves and thin, pale white cheese slices are scattered over the chicken and sauce, adding color contrast. A dark wooden spoon lifts one chicken piece, revealing the sauce underneath. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet, pumpkin chicken skillet, creamy pumpkin chicken, pumpkin parm chicken, easy fall chicken recipes

Garnishes

I always finish my skillet with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and a handful of freshly shaved Parmesan. It adds a beautiful pop of color and an extra layer of fresh, nutty flavor. For guests who like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top is perfect. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile, so I like pairing it with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta are personal favorites. Sometimes I serve it alongside garlic butter green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for some crunchy greens. And if you want a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love plating this skillet dish family-style in a rustic cast iron pan on the table surrounded by crusty bread for dipping. Another fun idea is serving it over freshly cooked pasta tossed lightly with butter and Parmesan for a cozy Italian-inspired feast. Adding a sprig of basil and some edible flowers makes it extra festive when entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up beautifully, and the chicken stays juicy. Just be mindful to pack it separately if you plan to reheat it with sides that don’t reheat well together.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works okay if you want to prep meals ahead. I recommend skipping fresh basil before freezing (add it fresh when reheating) and freezing only the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to avoid separating the cream.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the skillet over low heat, stirring gently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick or dried out. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree has a neutral flavor perfect for savory dishes, while pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of this dish.
Is this recipe good with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs would add more richness and stay incredibly juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may need a bit more time to cook through.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a similar texture and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to add cheesy notes. The flavor will be a bit different but still creamy and delicious.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?

Keeping the heat low or moderate during simmering and reheating is key. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously and stir frequently; this keeps the cream stable and smooth. Adding cream towards the end also helps reduce splitting.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make on chilly evenings when I want something comforting but a little different. There’s something magical about that luscious pumpkin-parmesan sauce holding the juicy chicken so tenderly—it’s a combo you won’t soon forget. I hope you’ll try it soon and find it as comforting and satisfying as we do. Seriously, once you taste this, it’ll be on your regular rotation, too!