Comforting Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Velvety One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable one pot creamy parmesan chicken pasta that promises to satisfy your dinner dreams.

Weeknight cooking just got a whole lot easier with this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish.

The creamy sauce coats each pasta strand, creating a luxurious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Rich parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into a velvety sauce, infusing every bite with irresistible flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among al dente pasta, making each forkful a delightful experience.

This recipe eliminates multiple pots and pans, giving you more time to enjoy a delicious meal and less time cleaning up.

Dive into a comforting dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 572 kcal

Servings: 5

One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Ingredient List

For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks quickly for a succulent main dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Vibrant herb blend that adds Mediterranean depth and aromatic warmth to the chicken.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, sharp cheese that provides rich umami notes and creates a luxurious coating.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a delicate, golden crust on chicken and thickens the sauce naturally.
For Aromatic Base:
  • Onion: Sweet, foundational vegetable that builds a robust flavor foundation for the dish.
  • Garlic: Pungent and transformative ingredient that adds deep, complex flavor layers.
  • Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that provides smooth cooking surface and subtle fruity undertones.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps develop golden browning.
For Sauce and Pasta:
  • Chicken Stock: Savory liquid that infuses depth and moisture into the entire dish.
  • Half and Half: Creamy component that creates silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
  • Pasta: Quick-cooking carbohydrate that absorbs surrounding flavors and serves as perfect vehicle for sauce.

Pots, Pans & Prep for Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Large Dutch oven or deep skillet: Perfect for creating this one-pot wonder, with a lid to help steam the pasta.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly without scratching the pan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning out ingredients like chicken stock, parmesan, and seasonings.
  • Cutting board: Helpful for prepping garlic and onions before adding them to the pot.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping onions with ease.
  • Plate: Used to keep cooked chicken warm while preparing the rest of the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy One Pot Chicken Pasta

  • Chicken Preparation

Season chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion. The key is creating a delectable coating that will enhance the overall taste profile.

  • Cooking Foundation

Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a large pan, creating a golden cooking surface. Carefully sear the chicken until it reaches perfect doneness, then set aside to rest and stay warm.

  • Aromatic Base

In the same pan, sauté onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet undertones. Add garlic and cook briefly to unlock its rich, pungent essence.

  • Liquid Dimensions

Pour chicken stock and cream into the pan, creating a luscious liquid environment for the pasta to simmer and absorb incredible flavors.

  • Pasta Magic

Introduce pasta directly into the liquid, allowing it to cook slowly and absorb the surrounding seasonings. Gently stir and monitor until pasta reaches a tender al dente consistency.

  • Cheese Transformation

Sprinkle in generous amounts of parmesan cheese, watching as it melts and transforms the sauce into a creamy, luxurious coating. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools.

  • Final Touch

Return chicken to the pan, allowing it to warm and mingle with the creamy pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings to create a perfectly balanced dish that will delight your taste buds.

Variations for Sauce, Noodles & Chicken

  • Mix different Italian cheeses like romano or asiago with parmesan for a more complex flavor profile. Experiment with various hard cheese combinations to elevate the dish's richness.
  • Replace chicken tenderloins with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled salmon, or sautéed shrimp for quick protein alternatives. Each protein brings a unique taste and texture to the one-pot meal.
  • Toss in fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value. These vegetables add color, nutrients, and extra layers of flavor.
  • Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. Adjust spice levels according to personal heat preferences to create a personalized pasta experience.
  • Prepare the dish in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat with a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

Serving One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Hot

  • Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy parmesan chicken pasta in elegant white ceramic bowls to showcase its rich, golden color and appetizing texture.
  • Fresh Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a vibrant green color and provide a light, aromatic contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will balance the richness of the parmesan and cream sauce.
  • Side Salad Companion: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty pasta.

Storage and Leftover Tips for One Pot Pasta

  • Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's creamy texture and flavor intact.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the chicken pasta into individual meal containers, allowing easy reheating for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock or half and half to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
  • Advance Prep Magic: Chop onions and measure spices ahead of time, reducing cooking stress and making meal preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
Print
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Comforting Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Comforting Parmesan Chicken Pasta


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy parmesan chicken pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. Savory chicken, rich sauce, and tender noodles combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins or chicken cutlets, boneless thighs
  • 2 tbsps (26 g) butter
  • 2 tsps (30 ml) olive oil (not extra virgin)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) half and half (single cream in the UK)
  • ¾ cup (64 g) shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps shredded parmesan
  • 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
  • 8 oz (225 g) dried pasta (any shape)
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken tenderloins, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  2. Protein Searing: Activate a large Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil to create a golden cooking surface. Execute chicken searing until fully cooked, then transfer to a warm holding plate.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: Utilize the pot’s residual oils to caramelize onions until translucent. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its essence to permeate the cooking environment.
  4. Liquid Integration: Stream chicken stock into the pot, extracting browned culinary remnants. Merge remaining stock and half and half, constructing a velvety liquid foundation.
  5. Pasta Cooking Process: Submerge dried pasta into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete immersion. Accelerate to a rolling boil, then reduce thermal intensity, cover, and allow gentle simmering for 11-13 minutes, occasionally disrupting to prevent adhesion.
  6. Sauce Refinement: As pasta cooks, sprinkle remaining Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Observe natural sauce thickening and developing complexity.
  7. Final Composition: Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Reunite cooked chicken with pasta, either positioning atop or integrating thoroughly for harmonious flavor distribution.

Notes

  • Flour Coating Technique: Evenly coat chicken in seasoned flour to create a delicate, flavorful crust that locks in moisture and adds rich texture.
  • One-Pot Magic: Using the same pot for multiple cooking stages builds deep, layered flavors by preserving browned bits and cooking residue.
  • Pasta Cooking Wisdom: Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, watching liquid absorption for perfect al dente texture.
  • Sauce Thickening Secret: Allow sauce to rest and cool slightly after cooking, which naturally enhances its creamy consistency and helps parmesan cheese melt smoothly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 572
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 745 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 109 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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