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One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Comfort Dish

one-pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

This one-pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a quick and easy comfort dish that comes together in about 35 minutes. The sauce gets velvety without heavy cream tricks, the chicken stays juicy, and the pasta soaks up all the garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz dried pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Let them sit while you prep the rest.
  2. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sautรฉ the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in about ยฝ cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all the browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute until slightly reduced.
  5. Add the liquid and pasta: Pour in the remaining 2ยฝ cups of chicken broth and the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add the dried pasta, the remaining ยฝ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Cook the pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed into a creamy sauce.
  7. Add the chicken back: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Stir everything together. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Finish with parmesan: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the chicken for extra flavor. Grate your own Parmesan for a smooth sauce. Watch the heat when sautรฉing garlic to avoid burning. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of warm chicken broth or milk. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a minute or two.

Nutrition

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