Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 12 oz penne pasta; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

There’s something comforting about a meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of sizzling garlic and butter. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot is a weeknight game-changer—simple, savory, and soul-warming. I stumbled into this recipe on one of those evenings when time was tight but cravings were high. All I had was a skillet, some chicken, pasta, and the usual suspects in my pantry—and what came out was unexpectedly fantastic.

I’ve made it more times than I can count, tweaking along the way. The chicken turns beautifully golden, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce clings to every piece of penne like it was made for it. Best part? Minimal cleanup. It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes like you put in far more effort than you actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot

One pan, zero stress: You cook everything in one pot—from searing the chicken to simmering the pasta.
Ultra-creamy sauce: Thanks to the mix of cream, parmesan, and reserved pasta water, it coats every bite.
Big on flavor: Garlic, parmesan, and black pepper bring that restaurant-level punch.
Versatile and satisfying: It works for a family dinner or meal prep and reheats like a dream.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot?

For this dish, I find that short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini delivers the best results. These shapes hold the creamy garlic parmesan sauce inside and out, giving every bite a full-flavored punch. Penne is my personal go-to because it cooks evenly and has just the right surface area to soak in all the garlicky goodness without getting soggy.

That said, if you’re using a different type, just be sure it’s a sturdy, tubular pasta that can stand up to a creamy sauce. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair or egg noodles—they’ll likely fall apart during the one-pot simmering process.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving, and there’s plenty of room to play around:

Chicken: Swap in boneless thighs for juicier meat or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, and dairy-free parmesan to suit lactose intolerance.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based version.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on the cooking time and water absorption.
Herbs and Spice: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to deepen the flavor.

With a few smart swaps, this comfort food classic can meet almost any dietary need without losing its rich, satisfying character.

Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot

Every ingredient in this dish has a purpose—it’s about building layers of savory, creamy, and comforting flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe work so well:

Chicken Breast: Lean and quick to cook, it’s the protein base that gives the dish its hearty bite. Searing it first brings out that golden, slightly crispy edge.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the oil and butter, creating a bold, aromatic foundation.
Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used alongside butter to sear the chicken without burning, and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Penne Pasta: The ideal shape for trapping the creamy sauce inside its tubes. Plus, it holds up well in one-pot cooking.
Heavy Cream: Delivers the luxurious texture and velvety base of the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta right in the pan, drawing in flavor as it simmers.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty—this is what transforms the sauce into something truly indulgent.
Salt and Black Pepper: The basic yet essential seasonings that pull all the flavors together.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright finish that adds color and a light herby lift.

Each component builds toward that signature creamy, garlicky, pepper-flecked bite that makes this dish irresistible.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a mix of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to build a golden crust. Flip and cook until they’re browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan (without wiping it clean), lower the heat to medium and add more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds serious depth. Then stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne directly to the pan. Stir to submerge as much of it as possible. Cover and simmer on low to medium heat for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and release starch, thickening the sauce naturally.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Chicken

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Then fold the cooked chicken back into the pan, coating it with the creamy garlic sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Let everything simmer for another minute or two until it’s all heated through and perfectly combined. Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and an extra crack of black pepper before serving.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot

From start to finish, this dish takes around 30 minutes total:

Prep time: 5–10 minutes (dicing chicken, garlic, measuring ingredients)
Cooking time: 20 minutes
- 5–7 minutes to sear the chicken
- 12–14 minutes to simmer pasta
- Final 1–2 minutes to combine everything

The key is keeping the heat at a simmer while the pasta cooks to prevent the cream from curdling and to allow even absorption.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot

Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente to avoid a mushy texture. Stir a few times during cooking to prevent sticking.
Simmer gently: High heat can split the cream sauce. Keep it low once the dairy is in the mix.
Reserve some broth: If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of extra broth or pasta water helps loosen it up.
Let the flavors sit: After turning off the heat, cover the pot and let the pasta rest for a minute or two. This gives everything a chance to meld together beautifully.

These little details help take the recipe from good to restaurant-worthy without much extra effort.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Pan: Searing the chicken in batches if needed prevents steaming and ensures a golden crust.
Adding Cheese Too Early: If you toss in parmesan before the pasta is cooked, it might clump or stick. Wait until the end when everything’s hot and ready to combine.
Skipping the Stir: Letting pasta sit untouched can lead to uneven cooking or sticking to the bottom—give it a good stir every few minutes.
Boiling Instead of Simmering: A rolling boil can scorch the cream and break the sauce. Keep it at a steady simmer for a silky finish.
Not Tasting as You Go: Salt levels can vary between broth brands—taste the sauce before final seasoning to avoid an overly salty dish.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in One Pot?

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Garlic Bread

Classic and comforting. Use it to mop up every bit of that garlic parmesan sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of lemon zest, roasted broccoli pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta.

Lemon Asparagus

Bright and slightly tart, sautéed asparagus with lemon juice is a quick side that keeps things light.

Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Earthy and sweet, these add a depth that balances the pasta’s creamy base.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned green beans bring a pop of color and crunch to the plate.

A Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re pouring wine, a buttery white like chardonnay complements the creamy garlic notes nicely.

Citrus Fruit Salad

For a fresh and light finish, serve up a bowl of orange, grapefruit, and mint—it resets the palate after a rich meal.

Storage Instructions

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing: Not ideal. The creamy sauce may separate or become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container and expect slight texture changes.

Keeping it airtight and gently reheated helps maintain that creamy texture and flavor.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a recipe yielding 4 servings):

Calories: ~650
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg
Calcium: 25% DV

Note: These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For a more accurate analysis, consider plugging your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the garlic. You can also stir in hot sauce at the end for a customizable kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It holds up well for a few days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and cheese labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

What kind of parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated parmesan from a wedge offers the best melt and flavor. Avoid powdered or pre-shredded varieties, which may not blend smoothly.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a closer texture, try using half-and-half or adding a bit of cream cheese for body.

Will frozen chicken work?

Yes, as long as it’s fully thawed before cooking. Frozen chicken that’s thawed improperly may release too much water and steam instead of sear.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure your pot is big enough to handle the extra volume so the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce doesn’t overflow.

How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thick?

If it thickens too much during simmering or reheating, add a little extra broth or cream and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.

Conclusion

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish you turn to when you need something fast, filling, and full of flavor. It brings together the comfort of creamy pasta, the satisfaction of well-seasoned chicken, and the brightness of garlic in a single skillet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes—minimal cleanup, maximum reward. It’s a keeper you’ll revisit time and time again.