One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A warm, comforting aroma fills the kitchen as I prepare a dish that brings loved ones together — One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This hearty meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

This recipe is perfect for families, dinner parties, or anyone craving a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It can also be prepped ahead of time; the chicken can be stored separately and added just before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a complete meal cooked in just one pan, reducing cleanup time.
• Creamy Parmesan sauce perfectly coats each piece of pasta.
• Juicy chicken adds a satisfying bite, making this dish filling.
• Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrition, but it’s optional.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make a delicious meal.

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)

For the Pasta

• 8 oz (225g) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480ml)

For the Sauce

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100g)

For Serving

• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, about 60g)

Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breast can be replaced with thighs.
• Any short pasta works well in this recipe.
• Low-sodium broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
• Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or omitted.

How to Make It

Start creating this dish by following these simple steps.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown; remove from pan and let rest.

Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Pasta

Add pasta and chicken broth; bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Combine Ingredients

Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Return Chicken

Slice the rested chicken and return to the skillet along with spinach if using; toss gently to coat with sauce.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, as pasta texture changes upon thawing.
Reheat: microwave on low for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Stir the sauce frequently after adding cream to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with garlic bread for a cozy dinner night.
• Perfect for a weeknight family meal or quick gathering.