One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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If there’s one dinner that instantly disappears when I make it, it’s this One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I first whipped it up on a rushed evening when I needed something warm, filling, and comforting without piling up dishes in the sink. The smell of garlic sizzling in butter was enough to bring everyone into the kitchen asking what was for dinner. It felt like I had struck gold with something so simple yet packed with flavor.

Cooking everything in one pot isn’t just convenient, it brings all the flavors together in a magical way. The chicken becomes juicy and infused with garlicky richness, while the pasta absorbs the creamy parmesan sauce perfectly. Each bite is silky and satisfying, and when I say the leftovers are even better the next day, I truly mean it. That is, if you have any leftovers at all.

This dish has become one of my go-to comfort meals. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something easy but impressive for guests, this One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta never lets me down. It’s rich, indulgent, and has that homey feel that makes everyone at the table happy.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

You’ll love how quick and low-effort this recipe is while still tasting like it came out of a cozy bistro kitchen. It uses simple pantry staples that somehow become something extraordinary when combined. The garlic and parmesan give the sauce a decadent depth, while the one-pot method means less clean-up and more time to enjoy the meal. If you appreciate recipes that are creamy, garlicky, and endlessly comforting, this one will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

Chicken breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and absorb the garlic and parmesan flavors beautifully.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for building that rich base of flavor. The aroma alone makes this dish irresistible.

Butter and olive oil: The combination gives the chicken a golden sear and forms the base for a luxurious sauce.

Heavy cream: This gives the pasta that creamy, velvety texture that makes every forkful comforting.

Chicken broth: It enhances the flavor of the pasta and helps it cook evenly without diluting the richness.

Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and taste. It thickens the sauce and adds a nutty depth.

Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini works best to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Salt and pepper: Just a bit to bring out the flavors of everything else.

Parsley (optional): Adds a touch of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as it turns bitter quickly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir often and cook until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Return the seared chicken to the pot. Stir in the grated parmesan and cook a few minutes more until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, boneless chicken thighs are a great substitute—they bring in more flavor and stay extra juicy. For a lighter take, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can even add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to give it some color and complexity. Gluten-free pasta works too, just keep an eye on the cooking time as it can vary.

Not a fan of parmesan? Romano or asiago cheese would be excellent swaps that still offer a bold and salty bite. You could also replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist, adjusting the cooking time since shrimp cooks much faster.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta is incredibly rich and flavorful, so I like to serve it with something crisp and refreshing on the side. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus keeps things balanced. A warm slice of garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

If you’re entertaining, pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay. It complements the creamy garlic sauce without overpowering it.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving or gently warming on the stovetop to bring back the creaminess. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so a little liquid refresh does wonders.

Avoid freezing if possible, as the creamy sauce can become grainy after thawing. But if needed, store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How can I keep One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta from becoming dry when reheated?

Add a bit of milk or chicken broth when reheating to help loosen up the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Yes, just add it in Step 5 with the parmesan. Since it’s already cooked, stir it in long enough to heat through.

Is One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.

What vegetables can I add to One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Baby spinach, steamed broccoli, peas, or chopped bell peppers work really well. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay fresh and vibrant.

Can I make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta without cream?

You can! Substitute with a mix of milk and a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, or try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoyed this creamy pasta dish, you should check out my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a spicy seafood twist, or the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for another garlicky and comforting one-pan dinner. And for a heartier oven option, try the Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If this One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sounds like something you’d love, don’t forget to save it for later. Pin it to your favorite pasta or dinner board on Pinterest so it’s just a click away when you need it. You can also share it with your friends and family on Facebook or Instagram—everyone deserves a cozy meal like this in their rotation!

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