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Close-up of garlic parmesan chicken pasta with grilled chicken pieces, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs in a black pan

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

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.
    Close-up of raw chicken pieces seasoned with black pepper and cooking in a pan with oil
  • 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.
    Close-up of chicken and mushrooms simmering in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, garnished with parsley
  • 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!
    Close-up of baked garlic parmesan chicken pasta topped with melted cheese, parsley, and breadcrumbs

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Sodium: 750mg
Cooking Tips:
  • 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.
Keyword Chicken, Easy Recipe, One Pot