Tender pan-seared chicken tenders are mixed with creamy garlic parmesan pasta in this easy one-pot meal. With a rich garlic parmesan sauce, it’s just as delicious as any pasta with chicken you’d order in a restaurant, but simple to make at home in just around half an hour, and with minimal prep work. This parmesan chicken pasta dinner is super kid-friendly with its familiar and comforting cheesy flavors. In fact, I know that your family will be asking you to make this recipe again and again! You might also like my creamy mushroom and chicken pasta! It’s made in a slightly different way, but still super easy and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I do a lot of cooking, and while I absolutely love it, I do sometimes get overwhelmed with the amount of cleaning up and dishes that need to get done at the end of the day. This recipe is truly a one-pot meal, meaning that the chicken and sauce are cooked in the same pan, AND the pasta is simmered in the sauce rather than being boiled separately. I use a similar method in my Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Buffalo Chicken Pasta and Creamy Chicken Orzo recipe too. One pot pasta meals are perfect for when you need a delicious dinner without a lot of cleanup to do after the meal.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this one pot parmesan pasta with chicken:
Chicken: I’m using chicken tenderloins in this recipe because I love how quickly they cook and how tender the meat is. You can also use chicken cutlets or chicken thighs. Pasta: Any type of pasta can be used in this one-pot pasta recipe! I find that short pasta like ziti, rotini, or shells is the easiest, but long pasta works as well. Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are sauteed to create a warm base layer of flavor for the pasta sauce. Parmesan Cheese: If at all possible, grate fresh parmesan cheese from a wedge rather than buying pre-grated cheese. You’ll get a much better flavor and texture this way. Chicken Stock and Half and Half: Together these ingredients will give us enough liquid to cook the pasta right in the skillet, and will reduce down to create a savory, creamy sauce.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make One Pot Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Recipe Tips
Make sure you have a lid that fits on your skillet well enough to keep the heat in while the pasta is simmering. Open the skillet to stir the pasta often so that it doesn’t stick to the pan. Cooking time may vary slightly, depending on the shape of the pasta that you choose. Taste the pasta after 11 minutes, and continue cooking if you’d like the pasta to be softer. If you would like to use long pasta, it is helpful to break it in half so that it fits in the pan. Wait for the sauce to thicken. It will seem thin at first but will thicken as it cools. Add veggies. Sauteed mushrooms would be delicious in this pasta dish, as would baby spinach, stirred in at the end.
Storing Tips
Keep leftover parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend making this recipe ahead of time on purpose, but leftovers are pretty tasty! To reheat, add a splash of water and stir to loosen up the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What To Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
All you need to turn this easy one-pan pasta dish into a full and balanced meal is a side dish of your favorite veggies. Try it with blanched broccoli, roasted root vegetables, or sauteed zucchini. My homemade Caesar salad would be a perfect match as well.
What can I use instead of chicken tenders?
This recipe will work with any type of boneless, skinless chicken you’d like to use. Try it with chicken breast cutlets, or breasts that you’ve cut into strips. It’s also delicious with boneless chicken thighs.
Can I make this with whole wheat pasta?
I’ve only tested this recipe with traditional dried pasta, so I can’t say for sure how to make it with different types. If your pasta has similar cooking times and instructions as regular pasta, it should work just fine, but you may need to experiment with the total cooking time to make it perfect. The same advice goes for gluten-free pasta.
Can I make a smaller portion?
You can adjust this recipe by half if you’re cooking for one or two. You will want to use a pot or skillet with a smaller diameter so that the smaller amount of pasta can be submerged in the cooking liquid. Alternatively, make the whole recipe, and save the leftovers for lunch tomorrow! This creamy parmesan pasta with chicken will be such a huge hit for dinner! Save this recipe for the next time you need to get a meal on the table quickly and easily. © Little Sunny Kitchen
