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Creamy Garlic Parmesan One-Pot Chicken Pasta

creamy garlic parmesan one-pot chicken pasta - featured image

A comforting and easy one-pot chicken pasta dish with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken, pasta, and a luscious sauce for a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked pasta, stirring to separate the noodles.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente and most broth is absorbed.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half and stir gently to combine.
  7. Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a smooth sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed depending on pasta brand and shape. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. To loosen a thick sauce, add a splash of broth or cream. Let the pasta rest off heat to thicken the sauce. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken pasta, creamy garlic parmesan, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food