![['Close-up of a Parmesan Basil Pumpkin Chicken Skillet featuring juicy chicken breast and vibrant pumpkin puree.', 'Side view of a skillet with chicken, pumpkin puree, and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.', 'A colorful dish in a skillet showcasing tender chicken, rich pumpkin, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and basil.', 'Juicy chicken and creamy pumpkin blended with Parmesan, displayed in a skillet garnished with basil.']](https://proteinrecipelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/u6426281249_close_up_photo_side_view_from_reddit._taken_with__528a362d-0f0a-4445-9a90-b0a3f137de2b_0-1.webp)
Parmesan Basil Pumpkin Chicken Skillet
A flavorful skillet dish combining tender chicken with pumpkin, Parmesan, and fresh basil for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lb total)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (divided)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, divided)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for garnish)
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.75 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, plus extra shaved for garnish)
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 lemon lemon juice (juiced)
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves (packed, thinly sliced, divided)
Instructions
- Season chicken with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes; add broth, pumpkin, Parmesan, cream, and lemon juice, stirring until smooth.
- Return chicken to skillet, simmer covered for 5 minutes, then uncover and cook until sauce thickens.
- Stir in half of basil, adjust seasoning, then serve topped with remaining basil, shaved Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Use fresh basil for the best flavor and adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spice.