Print

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe

creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing one-pot dinner featuring juicy chicken, plenty of garlic, and a velvety parmesan sauce. Quick to make and easy to clean up, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces dried penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Mince garlic, grate parmesan, and chop parsley. Set all ingredients out.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden but not cooked through.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, lowering heat if needed to prevent burning.
  4. Add dried pasta, chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of broth or water if dry, or simmer uncovered if too soupy.
  6. Remove lid, lower heat to low, and add parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and sauce is glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Turn off heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan, stir, and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed for desired sauce consistency. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan parmesan. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for variation. Leftovers thicken in the fridge—add broth or milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan, one pot dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food, family dinner, chicken alfredo, quick pasta, skillet pasta