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One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish with tender chicken, a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total), sliced in half horizontally
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces dried fettuccine or linguine, broken in half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pot and let it melt. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the broth come to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. Add dried pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. Once pasta is al dente, remove pot from heat. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir vigorously until fully melted and sauce is silky. Slice cooked chicken into strips and add back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block—it melts smoother than pre-shredded. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use 2% milk.

Nutrition

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