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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish combining tender chicken, garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 finely diced shallot (optional)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and optional diced shallot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in uncooked pasta. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid or foil and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not stir the pasta constantly during simmering to avoid breaking or making it mushy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free alternatives. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, garlic, Parmesan, chicken, pasta, creamy, easy dinner, weeknight meal