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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Dinner)

creamy one-pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image
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A rich and creamy one-pot pasta with tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, from half a lemon)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan, chop the parsley, and measure out your cream and broth. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and use your wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
  6. Stir in the pasta and return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
  7. Cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed into a creamy sauce.
  8. Remove the chicken thighs to a cutting board. Shred or slice them, then return to the pot.
  9. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate Parmesan fresh from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Keep heat at a gentle simmer once cream is added to avoid graininess. The sauce will thicken as it sits; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating leftovers.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/creamy-one-pot-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-easy-dinner/