One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love dishes that deliver big on flavor but don’t demand a ton of cleanup, this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It’s that magical kind of recipe that walks in the door after a long day and hugs you with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, all cozied up with perfectly cooked pasta. Trust me, once you try it, the ease of making everything in one pot combined with the deliciousness will win you over for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings alike.

What I adore about this recipe is how it feels indulgent but really comes together in minimal time and effort — no need to juggle multiple pans or stress over timing. Plus, with pantry-friendly ingredients like chicken, basic seasonings, and parmesan, you almost always have what you need on hand. It’s that kind of practical comfort food that’s both satisfying to eat and surprisingly simple to pull off, making it a total winner in my book!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe complement each other perfectly, blending creamy dairy, savory chicken, and just enough seasoning to bring it all together. Each ingredient serves a purpose, and I’ve found that simple, fresh pantry staples make this dish taste even better.

• Chicken tenderloins or boneless thighs: They cook evenly and stay tender, making your pasta extra hearty.
• Salt and pepper: The basics that bring out all the flavors without overpowering.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a herby note that gives the sauce a subtle, familiar warmth.
• Shredded parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce, it melts smoothly and offers rich, salty depth.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce by combining with the chicken and dairy for a creamy texture.
• Olive oil (not extra virgin): Use a plain olive oil here to get a nice sear on the chicken without too strong a flavor.
• Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions.
  
• Yellow onion: Finely diced, it adds sweetness and a gentle bite once cooked down.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic base.
• Chicken stock: Provides liquid for the pasta to cook in while boosting savory flavor.
• Half and half (or single cream): Gives the sauce its creamy body without being overly heavy.
• Dried pasta: Any shape works — I often choose penne or rotini for good sauce cling.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to make this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe my own by tossing in some extra flavors or veggies depending on what I have around. It’s so forgiving that you can really tailor it to your mood or dietary preferences without losing the soul of this creamy classic.

• Variation: Adding sautéed mushrooms and a handful of baby spinach near the end makes this dish pop with freshness and extra earthiness — a combo I frequently do when I want something a bit more veggie-packed.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or sautéed tempeh and use vegetable stock to easily make a delicious meatless version.
• Spice it up: If you love a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes during cooking or add a dash of chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
• Cheese swap: For a twist, use Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan for sharper, tangy notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Like a Pro

The very first thing I do is mix the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, parmesan, and flour in a small bowl. Then, I coat each piece of chicken evenly in this mixture. Sometimes, instead of fully dredging the chicken, I just sprinkle the seasoning on — both methods work well, but coating it with flour adds a slight crispiness when it cooks, which I love.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Perfectly

Next, in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet with a lid, I melt the butter and add olive oil to get the pan hot. I cook the chicken over medium heat, making sure it gets a nice golden crust and is fully cooked. This takes about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness. Once done, I remove the chicken and keep it warm — this step locks in flavor and keeps your chicken juicy.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same pot, I sauté the diced onion in the leftover butter and oil until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. I then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant — just about another minute. This simple step creates the foundation of the dish’s cozy aroma.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

I pour in half a cup of chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom — this is where magic happens flavor-wise! Once the bottom is clear, I add the remaining chicken stock and half and half, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Right in the Pot

At this stage, I add the dried pasta straight into the pot and stir gently to coat the pasta with the liquid. I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with the lid. I give the pasta a good stir every few minutes while it simmers for 11–13 minutes until it’s al dente. Keep an eye on it so nothing sticks to the bottom — stirring is key!

Step 6: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is just right, I stir in the rest of the Italian seasoning and the shredded parmesan cheese. The sauce looks thin at first, but hang tight — it thickens as it cools while you let the cheese melt and bind everything together. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Finally, I add the cooked chicken back into the pot. You can fold it in or simply place it on top as a beautiful finishing touch. Let it warm through for a few minutes, then serve up and enjoy your creamy, luscious, one-pot wonder!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra shredded parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I add a little cracked black pepper on top for some mild heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and filling, I like to pair it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is a classic crowd-pleaser here if you’re feeling indulgent — its crunch complements the soft pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta baked briefly in a casserole dish topped with extra parmesan and breadcrumbs for a golden crust. It transforms the texture and gives everyone a fun crispy bite to look forward to. Another trick I love for dinner parties is plating the pasta in individual bowls with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the dish with a squeeze at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds up well for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much sauce, I just add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pasta because the texture of the cream sauce can change after thawing, sometimes becoming grainy. But if you must, freeze in shallow portions and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a little liquid if needed. This helps the sauce regain its silky texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm kitchen hug after a busy day. I love how easy it is to pull together and how satisfying it is to eat. If you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food without the hassle, give this recipe a try — you might just find it becoming a permanent favorite in your weekly rotation, just like I did.

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