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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - featured image

This creamy, cheesy, soul-warming pasta is ready in just 30 minutes, all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features tender chicken and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine, broken in half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not clean the pan.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Build the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the pasta: Add the broken pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. If it looks too dry, add a splash of warm water or broth.
  5. Finish with cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan (like Parmigiano-Reggiano) and avoid pre-shredded cheese. Keep the heat medium-low when adding cream to prevent curdling. If the sauce gets too thick as it cools, stir in a splash of warm milk or broth. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe, 30-minute meal