Amazing One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

You know those nights when the fridge looks a little sad, you’re utterly exhausted, and the thought of twenty different pots and pans feels like climbing Everest? Yeah, I live for those nights, but in a good way! Seriously, my absolute favorite thing to whip up when I’m short on time and energy is a big, glorious one-pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for company but is honestly so simple, you’ll want to make it every single weeknight. We’re talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in this dreamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce, and astonishingly, it all happens in just ONE skillet.

For me, this recipe is a lifesaver. It embodies everything I love about cooking: making something absolutely delicious and deeply satisfying with minimal fuss. It’s a hug in a bowl, and the best part? You barely have any dishes to prove you made it! Trust me, this one-pan wonder is going to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe is seriously my weeknight savior! It checks all the boxes for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal without a mountain of dishes. Here’s why I think you’ll be making it again and again:

• Minimal Cleanup is a Dream: Honestly, not having to wash a sink full of pots and pans is a HUGE win after a long day. Everything cooks right here in one skillet!
• Crazy Fast Dinner: From start to finish, you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in about 45 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you need something delicious *now*.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Who doesn’t love garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken with pasta? It’s a flavor combo that’s basically a guaranteed hit for everyone, from kids to adults.
• Super Simple to Make: Even if you’re not usually a “cook,” this recipe is foolproof. Just toss everything in, stir, and let it do its magic. It’s so satisfying to make.
• So Versatile: While it’s amazing just as it is, I love that you can easily toss in some extra veggies like broccoli or peas, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Ingredients for Your One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen. The beauty of this recipe is that most of it is probably already lurking in your pantry or fridge! Here’s the rundown:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a swirl to get things started.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast – I like to cut mine into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, so they cook evenly and are easy to manage on a fork.
• 1 yellow onion, chopped – This is going to add such a lovely sweet depth of flavor as it softens up. Make sure it’s chopped up nicely.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic, okay? Mince it up real fine so you get that garlicky goodness in every single bite.
• 4 cups chicken broth – This is our main liquid base for the pasta. Good quality broth makes a difference!
• 1 ½ cups milk – This is what makes our sauce wonderfully creamy. Whole milk is best for richness, but skim or 2% works too.
• 12 ounces short pasta, uncooked – Think penne, rotini, farfalle, or even elbows! Just make sure they’re uncooked, as they’ll simmer right in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A little blend of herbs to give it that classic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Just to start, we can always add more later.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – And, of course, more for dusting on top because… Parmesan!
• 2 cups fresh spinach – This is my little secret for sneaking in some greens. It wilts down so beautifully.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – It just makes the whole dish look so pretty and adds a nice fresh finish.

Mastering the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step

Alright, buckle up, because this is where the magic truly happens! Making this incredible one pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta is honestly a breeze once you know the steps. I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through it just like I would for my best friend. It’s all about layering those flavors and letting each part do its thing in that single skillet. It’s really quite the culinary ballet, but with way less stress and way more cheese!

Searing the Chicken and Sautéing Aromatics

First things first, get a big, sturdy skillet (deep enough to hold everything!) hot over medium-high heat. Pour in that olive oil. You can find some awesome tips for cooking chicken breast right here. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your chicken pieces. You want to let them get nice and golden brown on all sides – maybe about 5-7 minutes total. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you need to do it in batches, go for it! Then, scoop out the chicken and set it aside for a moment. Now, toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up in that yummy chicken-y oil for a few minutes until it looks a little translucent. Add your minced garlic, stir for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing, but be careful it doesn’t burn! If you love garlic and butter, my garlic butter pork chops are a must-try.

Combining Ingredients and Simmering the Pasta

Now, tuck that chicken right back into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Time for the liquids! Pour in your chicken broth and milk – this is the start of our creamy sauce. Then, add your uncooked pasta, that lovely Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a really good stir to make sure the pasta is all happily submerged. Crank the heat up until it’s bubbling away like a happy little lava lamp. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on it, and let it simmer. You’ll want to peek and stir every few minutes so nothing sticks, for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the pasta to be perfectly tender (al dente!) and for most of that liquid to have soaked in, creating a lovely sauce.

Finishing Touches: Cheese and Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked just right, take the skillet off the heat. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Stir in that cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce, making it even more luscious. Then, toss in your fresh spinach. Trust me, it looks like a lot, but it wilts down super fast in the heat. Just gently stir it all together until the spinach is lovely and wilted. Let it sit for a few minutes – this lets everything meld together beautifully. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese for good measure. You can find more tips on creamy pasta perfection here and lots of other yummy pasta ideas here!

Tips for the Perfect One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Okay, so making this one pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can take it from just good to absolutely *chef’s kiss* perfect. Trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two from countless skillet dinners! First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients – a good chicken broth and real Parmesan cheese really make a difference here. If you’re feeling fancy, try swapping the regular milk for half-and-half for an even richer sauce, just like mentioned in the notes. Also, keep an eye on that pasta; nobody likes mushy noodles, myself included! Give it a stir every few minutes while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure it cooks evenly. You can find more ideas for creamy chicken pasta here, and if you love cheesy pasta, you absolutely have to try this recipe!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your One Pan Pasta

Let’s chat about some of these ingredients for a sec! You know how I mentioned using milk? Well, if you’re craving something a bit more decadent, definitely try swapping it out for half-and-half. It makes the sauce unbelievably rich and creamy – pure comfort food! And for the pasta, while I used a short cut like penne, feel free to use whatever you have. Rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni will work beautifully. Just make sure it’s an uncooked pasta that can simmer right in the sauce. If you’re looking to add more veggies, chicken and broccoli is always a winning combo, or you could even toss in some peas for a pop of sweetness!

Serving Suggestions for One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Now that you’ve got this amazing skillet pasta all ready to go, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it. Honestly, this dish is pretty much a complete meal on its own, right? But if you want to jazz it up for a little something extra, I love keeping it simple. A nice big, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner – it cuts through all that creamy, cheesy goodness. And who can resist some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce? For a truly classic pairing, check out this recipe for a fantastic Caesar salad! Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions about One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Got questions about this super-easy one pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta? I’ve got answers! This recipe is honestly so forgiving, but here are a few things people often ask:

Can I make this one pan pasta ahead of time?

You know, technically you *could*, but it’s really best enjoyed fresh. The pasta tends to get a little soft and the sauce can thicken up a lot if it sits for too long. If you absolutely have to, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. But trust me, the flavor is *chef’s kiss* right after you make it!

What kind of pasta works best for this easy one pan pasta recipe?

Great question! Since we’re cooking the pasta right in the sauce, you want something short and sturdy that holds sauce well. Think penne, rotini, farfalle (bow-ties), or even macaroni elbows are perfect. They all cook up beautifully in the liquid. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or linguine, as they can get a little tangled and don’t absorb the sauce quite the same way in a one-pot situation. If you’re looking for more easy one-pan pasta ideas, I’ve got you covered!

How can I make this garlic parmesan chicken recipe a little spicier?

Oh, I totally get wanting a little kick! It’s super simple to spice this up. My favorite way is to add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes right when you add the garlic and onions. That way, the heat really infuses into the oil. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even serve it with some sliced jalapeños on top if you’re feeling brave!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff! While I’m not a registered nutritionist or anything, I’ve put together some estimated nutritional info for a serving of this delicious one pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Remember, these numbers can wiggle around a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile on your plate! This estimated breakdown is for one serving:

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Roughly 650
• Total Fat: About 25g (with around 10g of that being saturated fat)
• Cholesterol: Around 150mg
• Sodium: This one’s a bit high at about 1200mg, mostly from the broth and cheese, so keep that in mind!
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 60g
• Fiber: Around 4g
• Sugar: About 8g
• Protein: A good dose at 45g!

Print