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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 meal combining tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and measure out liquids and cheese.
  2. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. When butter melts and foams, add chicken pieces in a single layer.
  3. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden but not fully cooked through.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add uncooked pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and garlic mixture.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  7. Cover with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.
  8. If pasta is not tender enough, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking.
  9. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  10. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
  11. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes. Stir well and remove from heat.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get a nice sear. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Stir occasionally but not constantly to prevent gummy pasta. Adjust liquid as needed to avoid dry or overly soupy pasta. Let sauce rest a couple of minutes off heat to thicken. For dairy-free, use almond milk with cornstarch or coconut cream and nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

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