One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has saved my dinner plans. It’s one of those go-to dishes that feels fancy and comforting all at once, without needing a ton of fuss or extra pots to clean. Plus, it’s packed with tender chicken, rich parmesan flavor, and steakhouse-level creaminess—all combined in one pan! Seriously, it’s like the best of both worlds, especially when you want something quick but satisfying.

If you’re juggling a busy weeknight or craving cozy comfort food that’s ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is your secret weapon. What I love most is how it comes together in a single pot—you get perfectly cooked pasta soaking in a luscious cheesy sauce with juicy chicken right on top. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe are pretty straightforward, but each one plays an important role in making this dish a winner. From the tender chicken to the creamy sauce, you’ll find everything blends beautifully together.

• Chicken tenderloins or boneless thighs: These cook quickly and stay juicy, perfect for a fast one-pot dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a lovely herbaceous note that complements the creamy parmesan perfectly.
• Shredded parmesan: This adds nuttiness and depth to the sauce; fresh grated works best if you have it.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
• Olive oil (not extra virgin): Used for sautéing without overpowering the flavors.
• Butter: Added richness and helps create that silky sauce.
• Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a flavorful base to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds warmth and aroma, essential for any comforting pasta dish.
• Chicken stock: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that impacts the pasta and sauce.
• Half and half (or single cream): Brings the creamy element without being too heavy.
• Dried pasta: Any shape works, though smaller shapes cook more evenly in this recipe.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often add sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach toward the end for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or even a plant-based protein if that’s your style!

• Variation: I once stirred in some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, which gave the dish a lovely pop of flavor and color—totally recommend if you want a fresh twist.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the half and half for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to make a creamy dairy-free version.
• Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas or steamed broccoli right before serving to sneak in some greens without altering the cooking time.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat in your creamy pasta.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

First, I mix half of the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, flour, and shredded parmesan in a shallow bowl and toss the chicken tenderloins until coated evenly. This not only flavors the chicken but helps build a nice crust when cooked. If you’re short on time, you can sprinkle the seasoning straight onto the chicken—it won’t lose much flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

I heat the olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side usually does the trick. Once done, I remove the chicken, tent it with foil to keep warm, and set aside. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.

Step 3: Build the Flavors with Onion and Garlic

Using the same pot (hello, one pot!), I add the remaining butter and oil. Then, I sauté the finely diced yellow onion until soft and translucent—this usually takes around 2 minutes. Next, I toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. This base gives the sauce a lovely depth right from the start.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Here’s a key step: I pour about half a cup of the chicken stock into the hot pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure flavor gold. After that, I add the rest of the chicken stock and the half and half, stirring everything together. This combination creates the perfect creamy cooking liquid for the pasta.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Now, I stir in the dried pasta, making sure every piece is coated with the liquid. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid that fits snugly. This is important to trap steam and cook the pasta evenly. I stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking and let it cook for 11-13 minutes until al dente. My tip? Taste early and often after 11 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Finish with Seasoning and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, the sauce will look a bit thin but don’t worry—it thickens as it cools. I stir in the rest of the Italian seasoning and the shredded parmesan cheese to create that velvety, cheesy finish. Then I adjust salt and pepper to taste. Finally, I return the cooked chicken to the pot—it’s up to you whether to mix it in or just lay it on top.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping this pasta with some fresh chopped parsley or basil—it adds a splash of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra parmesan or cracked black pepper on top for that extra flair. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts are surprisingly delightful here, too.

Side Dishes

While this dish is a meal on its own, I often pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is a classic, of course, and really helps mop up any leftover sauce. For a heartier option, steamed green beans tossed in butter and lemon work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m making this recipe for guests, I sometimes plate it in shallow bowls and garnish each serving with microgreens and an edible flower for an elegant look. Another fun tweak is to serve it in rustic bread bowls—just hollow out a round loaf and ladle the pasta inside for a wow-worthy presentation. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they last beautifully for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to bring the sauce back together. Pasta sometimes soaks up the sauce overnight, so a splash of milk or stock when reheating helps loosen it back up.

Freezing

Freezing this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is possible but a bit tricky because cream-based sauces can separate. I recommend freezing the chicken and pasta separately if you want to prep ahead, then combine fresh when reheating. Alternatively, freeze in single servings and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight to preserve texture.

Reheating

I find gently reheating on the stovetop over low heat works best, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock to refresh the sauce. Microwave reheating works fine too—just do it in short bursts and stir in between to prevent dryness. Avoid high heat which can cause the cream sauce to split.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of my favorites to reach for when I want comfort food without the hassle. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for sharing with friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug in pasta form, and honestly, every bite feels like a little celebration. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!

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