Easy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a comforting, creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup. This one pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is exactly that — a flavorful, hearty meal you can whip up on any busy night without sacrificing taste or texture.

this Recipe

Using just one pot, you’ll sauté tender chicken, cook pasta to perfection, and create a creamy garlic parmesan sauce all in one pan. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, perfect for your next weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made in one pot for easy cleanup and time-saving convenience.
• Creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s rich without being heavy.
• Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta all in one dish.
• Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, great for quick dinners.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Fresh ingredients and quality parmesan will make a difference in flavor.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 550 per serving

How to Make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until foaming.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
• Adjust the cream and broth ratio depending on how saucy you like your pasta.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

This dish freezes well too. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until no longer pink inside.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Stir the pasta every 5 minutes while it cooks and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot. Using a wide, heavy-bottomed pan also helps distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.