One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Short Description
This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in a single skillet. Tender pieces of chicken cook alongside pasta in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, making a satisfying meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup.

• The sauce is luxuriously creamy, enriched with real Parmesan and a hint of garlic.

• Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish—ideal for busy weeknights.

• Flexible ingredients let you customize with your favourite vegetables or cheeses.

• Yields generous portions, perfect for families or meal-prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup onion (red or yellow), diced

• 1 cup tri-colored bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 8 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until the butter is fully melted. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.

2. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet; sauté until the vegetables soften and the chicken develops a light golden crust, approximately 4–5 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.

7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor, or substitute cubed turkey breast.

• Pasta shapes: Try fusilli, rotini, or penne for a different texture.

• Vegetable additions: Stir in sliced mushrooms, zucchini ribbons, or sun-dried tomatoes when adding the onions and peppers.

• Cheese options: Replace or supplement Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or shredded mozzarella for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red-pepper flakes or diced jalapeño when cooking the garlic for heat.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Freezer: Portion into microwave-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring and adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until warmed through.

FAQs

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Bow tie (farfalle) is recommended, but fusilli, rotini, or penne all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer more fat and flavor; just adjust cooking time until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor will be different.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pasta variety and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook through step 5, cool completely, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat, add the Parmesan cheese, and finish as directed.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering and ensure there is enough liquid to allow the noodles to move freely.

Can I add vegetables to boost nutrition?

Absolutely. Fresh mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli florets, or spinach can be added when you incorporate the liquid ingredients.

Why did my sauce become too thick?

If your sauce reduces too much, simply stir in extra milk by the tablespoon until it reaches your desired consistency.

What is the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?

Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze leftovers in a single large container?

For best texture, freeze individual portions; thawing and reheating smaller amounts prevents uneven warming and overcooked pasta.

Conclusion

This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a versatile recipe for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals. With customizable variations and straightforward storage instructions, it’s destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!