Go Back
To make this dish, gather these key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnishing If you want to boost the taste, consider adding: - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat You can swap ingredients if needed: - Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of extra virgin olive oil. - Chicken thighs work well if you prefer dark meat. - Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. - Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan for a dairy-free option. - Spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula for a different green. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your chicken and garlic. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Then, add the chicken. Season it with 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink. Next, add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great, but don’t let it burn. Now it’s time to make the pasta. Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Raise the heat slightly and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it bubbles, add 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta. Stir well to cover all the pasta in broth. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. When the pasta is ready, reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts, making a creamy sauce. Next, fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach and, if you like, 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will let the spinach wilt and blend into the dish. Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or cracked pepper for extra flavor. Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese on top. For a nice touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil for sheen. Enjoy your meal in wide bowls, paired with crusty bread for the best dining experience! To create a creamy sauce, use heavy whipping cream. This adds richness. Make sure to stir well after adding the cream and cheese. Heat the mixture on low. This prevents the sauce from separating. Adding the cheese slowly helps it melt evenly. If you want more creaminess, add a little pasta water. This water has starch that thickens the sauce. One common mistake is cooking the garlic too long. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, ruining the dish. Another mistake is not seasoning the chicken. Good seasoning enhances the chicken's flavor. Avoid cooking the pasta too long. Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Lastly, don’t skip the garnishing. Fresh parsley and extra cheese add flavor and make your dish look great. This pasta pairs well with a simple salad. A green salad with lemon vinaigrette is fresh and light. Crusty bread is another great choice. It helps soak up the creamy sauce. For drinks, a chilled white wine works nicely. Lemonade or iced tea can also be refreshing. These pairings enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish, creating a more vibrant and aromatic meal. Perfect Pasta Timing: Keep an eye on your pasta; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Customize Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring an exciting twist to the dish. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan not only beautifies the dish but also adds a burst of flavor, making it more appealing. {{image_4}} You can boost nutrition by adding more vegetables. Spinach is a great start. It adds vitamins and a fresh taste. You can also add bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. These veggies cook well and soak up the flavors. Just chop them and add them when you combine the cream and cheese. This simple step makes your dish healthier and more colorful. If you want to change the protein, you have options. Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press and cube it, then sauté it until golden before adding the garlic and broth. Both options keep the dish tasty and filling. Herbs can change the whole dish. Instead of Italian herbs, try basil or thyme for a different vibe. You can also mix in fresh parsley or oregano for extra freshness. If you want a spicy kick, red pepper flakes are perfect. Experiment with these herbs to find your favorite flavor. Each choice adds its own charm to the dish. To keep your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to 3 days. If you can, separate the sauce from the pasta. This helps keep the pasta from getting too soggy. When you are ready to eat leftovers, reheat your pasta on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat it evenly. If you want to store your pasta for longer, freezing is a great option. Cool the dish completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can. It can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal whenever you like! You can make this dish in about 30 minutes. The prep time is just 10 minutes. Cooking takes about 20 minutes. You get a tasty meal fast! Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as whole wheat pasta may need a bit longer. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently. The flavors will still be great! This pasta pairs well with crusty bread. A fresh salad also makes a nice side. You can add garlic bread for a yummy touch. To make it healthier, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. You can also add more veggies, like broccoli or bell peppers. This boosts taste and nutrition! You learned how to make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We covered what to gather, from main ingredients to tasty options. The step-by-step guide shows how to cook it all in one pot. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and how to store leftovers safely. You can mix in veggies or use different proteins to fit your tastes. Remember, this dish is quick, easy, and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
  • for garnishing Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with the Italian herb blend, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through (no longer pink in the center).
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  • Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, raising the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Once simmering, add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged in the broth. Cover, and let it cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and incorporate the heavy whipping cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, creating a luscious consistency.
  • Gently fold in the chopped fresh spinach and the sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and integrate into the dish.
  • Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding additional salt or freshly cracked pepper to enhance the flavors.
  • Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance and flavor.

Notes

Serve in wide bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a drizzle of olive oil for sheen. Pair with crusty bread for an ultimate dining experience!
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta