One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table. It combines tender chicken, rich cream, and cheesy pasta all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick yet satisfying meal.

How to Make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Season and sear the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Cook the pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta, stir, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Finish the sauce: Once pasta is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return cooked chicken to the pot and toss everything together.

5. Taste and garnish: Adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot in bowls. You can add some extra grated Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream if the pasta seems dry.

Tips to Make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• For extra flavor, add some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any short pasta like fusilli or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can substitute with half-and-half or make it lighter by using milk and a bit of cornstarch for thickness.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it ahead but it tastes best fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days.