One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly in just one pot! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—minimal cleanup, and maximum taste.
The combination of tender chicken, garlic, and a rich parmesan sauce creates a comforting meal that pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken:Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.Sauté the Garlic:In the same pot, add butter and minced garlic.Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Pasta:Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.Add the pasta and stir again to ensure it’s evenly distributed.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.Simmer Until Pasta is Tender:Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, or until al dente.Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Chicken & Cheese:Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.Serve & Garnish:Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to thicken.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.Serve warm and enjoy!
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Notes
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup of cream at the end.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Make it a complete meal by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes towards the end of cooking.
- Substitutions: Use shrimp instead of chicken, or swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
Are There Any Alternative Ingredients for this Recipe?
If you’re looking to switch up the ingredients in this One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, there are plenty of easy substitutions to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or ingredient availability.
For a lighter version, you can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk to reduce the fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
If you’re lactose-intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, consider using unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk with a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can try a plant-based alternative or a blend of nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a creamy consistency.
For protein variations, shrimp, turkey, or tofu can be great substitutes for chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the garlic parmesan sauce, while ground turkey offers a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, add hearty mushrooms or chickpeas to provide protein and texture.
You can also swap regular pasta for whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to cater to different dietary preferences. For extra greens, stir in spinach, kale, or peas towards the end of cooking. No matter which ingredients you use, this recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize while keeping it delicious.
Summary
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fantastic go-to meal for busy weeknights, offering a creamy, comforting dish with minimal effort and cleanup.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with alternative ingredients, this dish is incredibly versatile and easy to customize.
By swapping proteins, adjusting the dairy, or incorporating extra veggies, you can tailor it to fit your dietary preferences while maintaining its rich and flavorful essence.