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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and a creamy parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and measure out all ingredients.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Stir and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add 8 ounces uncooked pasta and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning if using.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover loosely and simmer, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the pot. Sprinkle 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. If too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Adjust salt after adding Parmesan as it adds saltiness.

Nutrition

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