This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce. Inspired by Italian-American cuisine, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal effort and cleanup. With just one pot, you’ll have a flavorful and hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 500 g Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 250 g pasta penne or fettuccine works best
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2 Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Ensure not to burn the garlic.
- 3 Build the Sauce
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- 4 Cook the Pasta
Add pasta to the pot and ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to form a creamy sauce.
- 5 Combine with Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- 6 Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top, and mix well. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Variations:
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.