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Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy One Pot Comfort Dinner

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This creamy chicken pasta is a one-pot comfort dinner featuring tender chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • Freshly chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Cracked black pepper, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Chop onion and mince garlic. Prep spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms if using.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add mushrooms now if using.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  5. Add dry pasta to the pot. Stir so it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed (12–14 minutes). Add more broth or water if sauce thickens too quickly.
  6. Return chicken and any juices to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using. Cook, stirring, until cheese melts and everything is creamy and heated through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Add a splash of hot water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and dairy-free cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, one pot pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, chicken recipes, pasta recipes, weeknight dinner, family meal

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