Pour in the chicken broth and milk or half‑and‑half, stirring to combine. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, usually 15–20 minutes depending on the rice variety and your stove. Stir once or twice while it cooks to prevent sticking.
If the rice is not yet tender when the liquid is mostly absorbed, add a small splash of broth or water, cover again, and continue cooking until it reaches your preferred texture.
6. Stir In the Parmesan and Adjust Creaminess
When the rice is fully cooked, turn the heat to low and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and thicken the mixture into a creamy, risotto‑like consistency. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
For a more luxurious dish, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese blend over the rice and let it melt gently into the top, creating strands of gooey cheese like in the photo.
7. Return the Chicken and Shrimp
Slice the seared chicken into thick strips. Nestle the chicken slices and the cooked shrimp on top of the creamy rice, spooning a bit of sauce over them so they warm through. Cover the skillet for a minute or two, or place it briefly under a broiler if your pan is oven‑safe and you want a lightly browned, cheesy top.
Finish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve the dish straight from the skillet so everyone can scoop up rice, chicken, and shrimp in one generous serving.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Rice
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Use freshly grated cheese: Pre‑shredded cheese often contains anti‑caking agents that keep it from melting as smoothly. Grating Parmesan and any additional cheeses yourself gives a silkier sauce.
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Don’t rush the rice: Keep the heat low once you add the liquid. Rapid boiling can cause the rice to cook unevenly and stick to the bottom.
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Season in layers: Season the chicken, shrimp, cooking liquid, and final dish so every component is flavorful.
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Adjust thickness at the end: The rice will continue to thicken as it sits. If it tightens up too much, stir in a splash of warm broth or milk just before serving.
Variations and Add‑Ins
This base recipe is easy to customize:
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Spicy Cajun version: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun or Creole seasoning, and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
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Veggie‑packed: Stir in wilted spinach, steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms at the end for extra color and nutrition.
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Lighter option: Use milk instead of cream, reduce the cheese slightly, and add extra broth. The dish will still be creamy but less rich.
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Lemon herb twist: Add lemon zest and extra fresh herbs like basil or thyme to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Shrimp Rice
This recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides help round out the meal:
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A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess
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Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up extra sauce
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A light fruit salad for a fresh finish
Because the dish looks so lavish in the bowl—golden chicken and shrimp on a bed of glossy rice—it also works beautifully for dinner guests with minimal extra effort.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them properly so you can enjoy this meal again:
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Refrigerator: Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezer: For longer storage, portion the rice, chicken, and shrimp into freezer‑safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Rewarm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally so the rice heats evenly and the sauce doesn’t separate.
SEO‑Friendly FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. Start with extra broth, follow the same method, and simmer until the grains are tender. The texture will be heartier and slightly nutty.
Can I make this recipe without shrimp?
Absolutely. You can skip the shrimp and simply increase the amount of chicken, or replace the shrimp with sliced sausage, extra vegetables, or more cheese for a purely chicken‑and‑rice dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, the dish is mild and family‑friendly. To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a spicy seasoning blend to the chicken, shrimp, and sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
This recipe is best served fresh because the rice continues to absorb sauce as it sits. However, you can cook the chicken and shrimp in advance, store them separately, and then quickly make the rice and assemble everything just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and shrimp rice is a one‑pan dinner that checks all the boxes: comforting, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With juicy seared chicken, succulent shrimp, and a bed of rich, cheesy rice, every bite tastes like pure comfort. Use this recipe as a base, customize it with your favorite seasonings and add‑ins, and you’ll have a signature skillet dish that friends, family, and readers will request again and again.
