One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. I discovered this fantastic recipe during a busy weeknight when I craved something comforting yet easy to prepare. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and now it can be yours too!
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
Imagine enjoying a hearty meal that only requires one pot and minimal prep work! This dish is not just quick to make but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, giving you more time to savor the moments that follow.
“This creamy pasta has become my go-to recipe! It’s ridiculously easy to make, yet tastes gourmet. My kids devour it every time!” – Sarah, a happy home cook
What truly makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables, different pasta shapes, or even add a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat. It’s also an excellent option for meal prepping – enjoy it throughout the week without compromising flavor. When you serve this dish, it feels like you’ve put in a lot of effort, but in reality, you only spent a fraction of the time cooking!
How to make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step-by-step overview
Creating this dish involves a few simple steps: season and cook the chicken, sauté the aromatic vegetables, deglaze the pot, add liquids, and cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Finally, you’ll finish it off with creamy Parmesan that brings it all together. It’s truly that easy!
To help you follow along, here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful recipe.
Ingredients
Key ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenderloins or cutlets (boneless thighs work too)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (30 ml) olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons (26 g) butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- ¾ cup (180 ml) half and half (or single cream in the UK)
- 8 ounces (225 g) dried pasta (any shape)
- ¾ cup (64 g) shredded Parmesan cheese for finishing
Ingredient tips
Feel free to customize the pasta type based on your preference! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can work well here. For added flavor, consider using cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. Each variation brings a unique touch that can elevate your dish.
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
- Season the chicken: Mix ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and flour in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken evenly with this flavorful mixture or sprinkle it directly over the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes until it softens, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in ½ cup of chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Stir in the remaining chicken stock and the half and half.
- Cook the pasta: Add the dried pasta to the pot, gently stirring to coat in the liquid. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 11–13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese. Initially, the sauce may appear thin, but it will thicken beautifully as it cools slightly.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, either nesting it on top of the pasta or stirring it in. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
How to serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serving suggestions
This dish shines when served immediately, but consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with a light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess, or serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lime can elevate your dinner experience, impressing guests and family alike.
How to store
Keeping leftovers fresh
To keep your One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to save it longer, consider freezing it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken stock or half and half to restore creaminess.
Tips to make
Pro chef tips
To ensure your pasta cooks evenly, stir it occasionally during the simmering phase. This prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked chicken to expedite the process. Also, don’t skip on the seasoning – it’s essential for bringing depth to the flavors in your dish!
Variations
Creative twists
Feel free to tailor this recipe to your liking! Incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color. You can also switch out the protein for shrimp or sausage to create a different flavor profile. For a spicy variation, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Common questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is around 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 20-25 minutes, making it a quick weeknight option.
Can I use low-fat alternatives?
Absolutely! You can substitute half and half with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative, though this may slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can remain fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Print
One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenderloins or cutlets (boneless thighs work too)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (30 ml) olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons (26 g) butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- ¾ cup (180 ml) half and half (or single cream in the UK)
- 8 ounces (225 g) dried pasta (any shape)
- ¾ cup (64 g) shredded Parmesan cheese for finishing
Instructions
- Mix ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and flour in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken evenly with this mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the remaining chicken stock and the half and half.
- Add the dried pasta to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, simmering for 11-13 minutes until al dente.
- Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and the ¾ cup Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then return the cooked chicken to the pot, either nesting on top of pasta or stirring in. Serve warm.
Notes
Consider adding fresh herbs or serving with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one pot meal, easy dinner, Italian recipe