Some nights, you just want dinner to come together without a parade of pots and pans. This one pot chicken garlic parmesan pasta fits right into those evenings when the clock’s ticking, and your appetite’s growing louder by the minute.
I remember the first time I made this dish. The kitchen smelled like roasted garlic and toasted Parmesan almost immediately, which made waiting for the pasta to cook feel like a small kind of torture. I was halfway through scrolling through my phone when the bubbling sauce caught my eye, and I had to stir it quickly—or risk a little scorched bottom. I wasn’t paying full attention, so a tiny bit stuck, but honestly, it added a touch of that rich, caramelized flavor that made the whole thing even better. By the time the spinach wilted and the parsley went in, the whole house felt warm and inviting, even if my timing wasn’t perfect.
- All cooked in one pot—easy cleanup, even on the busiest nights.
- The sauce is rich and creamy without feeling too heavy, but fair warning: it’s not a quick, light salad kind of meal.
- It’s flexible—spinach adds freshness, but you could swap in kale or mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous.
- It’s a full meal in one dish, which means less thinking and more enjoying.
If you’re worried about juggling all the flavors or timing, don’t be. It’s forgiving enough that a little distraction won’t ruin the dish. Plus, leftovers reheat nicely, so you can get a second round of comfort without starting over.
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One Pot Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful one pot chicken garlic parmesan pasta that’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Add uncooked penne pasta, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Add chopped baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: This recipe comes together nicely in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet—nothing fancy required. I usually serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce, but honestly, it’s satisfying all on its own. If you want to switch things up, adding sun-dried tomatoes or swapping the spinach for baby kale can give it a different twist, though I haven’t tested all of these variations thoroughly. You could also sprinkle a bit of red pepper flakes on top if you like a subtle kick.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, though cooking times may vary a bit. Penne works well for holding the sauce.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? It’s best kept in the fridge and eaten within a few days; cream-based sauces might separate if frozen.
Can I make this dairy-free? You’d need to swap the cream and Parmesan for alternatives, which changes the texture and flavor quite a bit.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach? Frozen works too—just add it a little earlier to give it time to thaw and cook down.
Give this one pot chicken garlic parmesan pasta a try when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a little imperfect, a little indulgent, and totally worth it.