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Kid-Approved One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Dinner!)

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This one-pot creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Tender chicken and pasta cook together in a rich, savory sauce for a comforting meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and brown the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through yet; it will finish in the sauce. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. It should smell fragrant and toasty—don’t let it burn, or it will turn bitter.
  3. Build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or half-and-half). Use your wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s flavor gold. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Cook the pasta. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir well to make sure every piece is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar to let steam escape. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente—tender but with a slight bite. If the sauce looks too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of milk or broth.
  5. Add the chicken and cheese. Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with any juices on the plate. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is fully melted into a silky sauce.
  6. Finish and serve. Remove the pot from the heat. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes—the sauce will thicken as it cools. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, kid-friendly, chicken pasta recipe

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