Description

Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken Skillet is a warm, comforting, and easy one-pan dinner combining tender chicken breasts with a creamy, plant-based pumpkin Parmesan sauce enriched by smoked turkey bacon, warm spices, and fresh herbs. This dish offers a perfect blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors ideal for cozy weeknight meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Base

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Aromatics and Spices

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of black pepper

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or sage, chopped for garnish
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: Cut the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until crispy, creating a smoky base flavor for the skillet.
Cook the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season them with salt, pepper, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet with the smoked turkey bacon and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through.
Sauté aromatics: Push the chicken and bacon to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Prepare the pumpkin Parmesan sauce: Stir pumpkin puree, plant-based Parmesan cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and natural gelling agent into the skillet. Gently mix to combine the sauce with the chicken and smoked turkey bacon.
Simmer and finish cooking: Reduce the heat and let the skillet simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency while the chicken finishes cooking through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or sage over the dish just before serving to add a burst of herbal freshness.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure better browning and seal in juices.
Use fresh pumpkin puree if possible for a more vibrant flavor.
Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to control sauce thickness.
Do not overcrowd the pan to allow a proper sear on the chicken instead of steaming.
Let the skillet rest a few minutes after cooking to deepen the flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: pumpkin chicken skillet, plant-based Parmesan, one-pan dinner, creamy pumpkin sauce, smoked turkey bacon, autumn recipe, cozy dinner