If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels fancy but doesn’t have you stalling in the kitchen, you’re going to adore this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with minimal cleanup yet delivers rich, creamy flavors that make your taste buds dance. Trust me, this fan-freaking-tastic recipe is going to become your go-to weeknight favorite in no time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Wonder: Clean up is a breeze since you only need one pot for the whole meal—no juggling multiple pans here.
Creamy Comfort: The silky parmesan sauce wraps the tender chicken and pasta in pure indulgence that’s totally crave-worthy.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy nights, this recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for it, and I bet yours will too—kids and grown-ups alike.

The image shows a close-up of rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, white sauce with small green herb bits, lifted by a woman's hand holding a spoon. The pasta is mixed with pieces of grilled chicken, which are golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with grated white cheese and herbs. The dish is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta with Parmesan, easy one pot chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta dinner, quick creamy pasta recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right balance of simple, fresh ingredients is key to the magic of this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. I always keep these staples on hand, and a quick trip to the store gets you everything else.

Flat lay of raw chicken tenderloins coated with Italian seasoning and shredded parmesan, finely diced yellow onion, peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of dried pasta, a wedge of Parmesan cheese with some shavings, a stick of butter, and a small bowl of creamy half and half, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta with Parmesan, easy one pot chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta dinner, quick creamy pasta recipe

Chicken Tenderloins or Cutlets: Choose boneless for quicker cooking; tenderloins work great and stay juicy.
Salt and Pepper: Essential basics to season and bring out flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend that adds depth without overwhelming the dish.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Both for coating the chicken and stirring into the sauce — fresher is better.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create that luscious creamy texture by thickening the sauce.
Olive Oil (Not Extra Virgin): The milder version prevents burning when cooking the chicken.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet base flavor when finely diced and softened.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is a game-changer here for aroma and taste.
Chicken Stock: The backbone of the sauce, so go for a good-quality stock or homemade if you can.
Half and Half (or Single Cream for UK): Brings that creamy, smooth finish without being too heavy.
Dried Pasta: Pick your favorite shape — penne, fusilli, or rotini work wonderfully to hold the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it easily depending on what you have or your mood, and it still turns out fantastic every time.

Swap Chicken for Shrimp: I’ve tried this with shrimp for a seafood twist, and it works like a charm—just reduce the cooking time for the protein.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of half and half and parmesan for a creamy, cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Veggie Boost: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes toward the end of cooking to get some extra color and nutrients in.
Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat with your creaminess.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Start by mixing ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan, and the flour in a bowl. Toss your chicken tenderloins in this mixture until they’re nicely coated. This little trick creates a light crust that locks in moisture and adds flavor—trust me, it’s a game changer! Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Cook the chicken thoroughly until it’s golden and cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Set the chicken aside on a warm plate to rest while you build the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Flavor

In the same pot, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—don’t rush this step because that sweetness forms the base of your sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell alone will make your stomach grumble!

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Now, pour in ½ cup chicken stock to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds an incredible depth of flavor. Then add the remaining chicken stock and your half and half. Give everything a good stir to combine before adding the pasta.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Slowly to Creamy Perfection

Add your dried pasta to the pot, making sure to stir so it’s fully submerged and coated in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 11 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the pasta cook evenly. This is where patience pays—you want your pasta al dente with the sauce starting to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning

Once the pasta is cooked, add the remaining Italian seasoning and ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir vigorously to melt the cheese into the sauce. It might look a bit thin at first, but don’t worry—this sauce will thicken as it cools and sits, giving you that amazing creamy texture every time. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Finally, add back your cooked chicken, either mixing it in or just topping your pasta so you get some delicious bites of chicken with every forkful.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Use Room Temperature Chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays super tender when not too cold straight from the fridge.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Those browned bits add major flavor—you’ll miss that if you clean the pot too much after cooking chicken.
Stir Pasta Occasionally: Keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures even creaminess throughout.
Add Parmesan Gradually: Stirring cheese in off-heat prevents it from clumping and gives you that smooth sauce texture.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy white sauce with small green herb flecks. On top of the pasta lie four grilled chicken pieces, light brown with darker grill marks, partially covered by the sauce. Thin white shredded cheese is sprinkled over the chicken and pasta, adding texture. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The plate is on a soft green cloth placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta with Parmesan, easy one pot chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta dinner, quick creamy pasta recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra shredded parmesan right on top just before serving because that sharp salty hit complements the creaminess. A handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh green pop and a lovely aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water. For an extra finishing touch, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil works wonders.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta dish is quite rich and hearty, I usually keep sides light. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or broccoli balances the meal nicely. Sometimes, I even serve it with garlic bread to sop up the sauce, which my family absolutely loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dish plated in shallow bowls sprinkled with extra parmesan and fresh herbs, with a little edible flower garnish just to impress guests. Another fun idea is to bake the pasta in an oven-safe dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly golden crust—turns it into a cozy pasta bake everyone fights over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out immediately so it’s easy to grab for lunches or quick dinners the next day. The sauce thickens as it chills, so it’s best to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

I have frozen this pasta once or twice, but be aware that the texture changes slightly after thawing—cream sauces can separate a bit. To freeze, cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove over low heat while stirring. This brings the creaminess back to life without drying out the chicken or pasta. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep it even.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe works well with almost any dried pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions since different shapes and sizes may cook faster or slower.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice if you prefer a more flavorful and juicy protein. Just keep in mind they might take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to tenderloins.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can! Substitute the half and half with coconut milk or another plant-based cream, and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture and taste will differ slightly, but it still turns out lovely.
Why should I deglaze the pan with chicken stock?

Deglazing scrapes up the flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken, which adds amazing depth to your sauce. It’s a simple step that really upgrades the taste with almost no extra effort.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! You can prep the seasoned chicken and even chop your onions and garlic in advance. Cook everything as directed when you’re ready to enjoy—it makes dinner even quicker to pull together during busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I discovered this trick when I needed a quick dinner that didn’t sacrifice flavor, and it’s been a lifesaver ever since. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that’s both satisfying and easy on cleanup—just what every busy cook needs. Give it a try tonight, and I promise it will quickly become a recipe you reach for again and again!