Does the clock hit 5:30 PM and suddenly you realize you haven’t even started thinking about dinner? Trust me, I know that frantic feeling! After years of trying to balance clean eating with a busy life, I learned that the secret to a successful weeknight isn’t complicated cooking; it’s brilliant simplification. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce you to what might just become your new household hero: the One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
This dish is pure magic. We’re talking rich, savory, perfectly seasoned chicken bathed in a luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce, and it all happens in one single pan. Seriously, every time I pull it off the stove, I have to laugh at the tiny pile of dishes waiting for me—or rather, the *lack* of them! This creamy chicken pasta tastes like you spent an hour making it, but we get it done in about 30 minutes total. It’s one of those efficient, family-friendly recipes I developed specifically for those days when you need maximum flavor with absolutely minimal cleanup. Honestly, if you are looking for more simple ideas, check out my guide to one pan easy dinner recipes minimal cleanup!
Since starting Melt It Clean five years ago, developing speedy, satisfying meals like this has been central to my mission. Forget scrubbing layers of pots and pans; dinner tonight is going to be delicious AND easy.
Who This One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Is Perfect For
If you’re juggling work, kids, or just life in general, this recipe was invented just for you. This is the ultimate meal for busy parents who need wholesome, satisfying food on the table fast. Are you tired of coming home and facing a mountain of dishes? Me too! That’s why the minimal cleanup aspect of this One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! is non-negotiable for me.
This dish screams Quick Dinner Ideas—it really comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also fantastic for anyone who loves home-cooked meals but hates the after-dinner chore list. Think about it: you get all that rich flavor, all those wonderful garlic Parmesan notes, and you only dirty one pot. It’s the definition of Family-Friendly Meals that actually taste special. If you need more ideas like this for those hectic evenings, I’ve gathered some amazing dinner ideas for busy weeknights on the site!
Why This One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Is a Weeknight Winner
When I design recipes for Melt It Clean, the payoff has to be high for the effort put in, and this dish is a prime example. It delivers big on flavor without draining your evening energy reserves. Seriously, you’ll be shocked how satisfying this is without turning your kitchen upside down.
- It guarantees Minimal Cleanup—you are using one skillet, start to finish!
- It’s a true 30 Minute Dinner, making those rushed evenings feel totally manageable.
- The sauce is inherently rich, using simple dairy to create that gorgeous creamy texture without fuss.
- It’s hearty enough for the whole family, which is why it’s one of my go-to Family-Friendly Meals.
Want to see more genius dishes that cut down on scrubbing dishes? Take a peek at my other favorite one pan dinner ideas minimal cleanup posts!
Essential Ingredients for Your One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Okay, ingredient list time! Because we are making this all in one pot, every item serves a specific, important purpose, from seasoning the chicken to building the sauce base. I’ve broken this down so you can gather everything before you even turn on the stove. Trust me, gathering your mise en place prevents panic later when things start cooking fast!
For the chicken to get that lovely golden crust and hold enough flavor, we coat it first. Don’t skip the light dredge—it helps the sauce adhere later!
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins or cutlets (I often use boneless thighs, just trim them up!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan (this goes right on the chicken!)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (that’s about 15 g)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (use regular olive oil, not extra virgin, about 30 ml)
Now for the real heart of the dish—the sauce builders. We need depth here, hence the onions and fresh garlic.
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock (480 ml)
- 0.75 cup half and half (or single cream in the UK, 180 ml)
- 8 ounces dried pasta, any shape (225 g)—if you use long strands, break them in half!
- 0.75 cup shredded parmesan cheese (64 g)
This combination brings savory chicken, sharp garlic, and creamy dairy together perfectly. If you love a good garlic punch, you might even want to sneak in one extra clove! For more meals centered around bold flavors, check out my garlic butter chicken veggies guide.
Expert Tips for Perfect One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Cooking everything in one pan is brilliant, but it does require paying a bit more attention than if you used three separate pots! Don’t worry, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure your One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! comes out perfectly creamy and not sticky.
First, that lid is essential! You want a tight-fitting lid on your Dutch oven or deep skillet. That trapped steam is what cooks the pasta evenly in the liquid, so make sure you close it up when the recipe says to simmer. If your lid wobbles, you’re losing valuable cooking power!
Next, be honest about stirring. The recipe says stir intermittently, but I often find that means scraping the bottom every two minutes while it simmers. Pasta loves to stick right to the bottom of the pan, right where the heat is highest. Get in there and stir it up!
Finally, trust the cooling process for the sauce. It will seem awfully thin when you stir in that final bit of Parmesan cheese—don’t panic and dump in a whole cup of cream! The glorious starch from the pasta releases as it cooks, and when you take the whole pot off the heat, that sauce will tighten up beautifully as it cools. I wrote a whole guide on how to make dinner recipes foolproof that covers these checks!
Simple Cooking Instructions for One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Alright, let’s get cooking! This process moves quickly because we are layering flavors right in that one amazing pan. Don’t rush! First things first: prepare your chicken. Mix up that remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning with salt, pepper, the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and the flour. Toss your chicken tenderloins right into that mixture until everything is coated well. You want that light dusting!
Next, grab your large Dutch oven. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 teaspoon of oil right over medium heat. Cook your coated chicken until it’s totally done—no pink spots showing! Once it’s cooked through, scoot that chicken out onto a plate and keep it warm. Don’t wipe the pot clean; those browned bits are flavor gold!
Now, using the remaining butter and oil in that same pot, toss in your diced yellow onion. Cook that down until it looks soft, which takes about 2 minutes. Time for the aromatics! Add your minced garlic and let it cook for just 60 seconds until you can really smell it; be careful not to burn it!
Time to build the liquid base. Pour in about half a cup of chicken stock and use your spoon to scrape up all those lovely brown bits stuck to the bottom—that’s degassing, and it adds amazing depth! Pour in the rest of the stock and all the half and half. Bring that mixture to a rolling boil before tossing in your 8 ounces of dried pasta. Stir it all up, reduce that heat way down, cover it with that tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 11 to 13 minutes. Remember what I said earlier? Stir it every few minutes so nothing scorches!
When the pasta is al dente (taste it around the 11-minute mark!), the sauce will still look a little soupy—this is normal! Take it off the heat, stir in the remaining Italian seasoning and the big ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese. Give it a final taste test for salt and pepper, return your cooked chicken to the pot (you can mix it in or just place it on top), and let it sit for just five minutes. That cooling time is when the final thickening magic happens. If you want more quick and foolproof tips, check out my post on simple cooking instructions!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Creamy Chicken Pasta
Don’t panic if you’re missing one tiny thing; this One Pan Pasta is really flexible! If you’re out of half and half, I find whole milk works just fine, though the sauce will be a touch thinner—it still thickens nicely upon resting. If you’re using long pasta shapes, like linguine or fettuccine, you absolutely must break them in half before adding them to the pot. Trying to stir in a whole noodle length mid-cook is just asking for trouble!
For those looking to sneak in some greens, this dish is amazing with additions. You can sauté mushrooms with the onions, or just stir in a big handful of baby spinach right at the very end when you add the final Parmesan. The residual heat from the sauce wilts it perfectly. For more ideas on adding veggies to chicken dinners, take a look at my chicken broccoli skillet recipe for inspiration!
Storing Leftovers of the One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
I always hope this delicious meal gets eaten right away, because day-old pasta is tempting, but leftovers store beautifully! You just need an airtight container before they hit the fridge. I find this creamy chicken pasta lasts up to three days when stored correctly in the cold. When you’re ready for a second helping, you’ll need to add a splash of extra liquid—maybe some milk or stock—because it will firm up overnight. Heat it gently on the stovetop, stirring often, until it’s creamy again, avoiding the microwave if you can!
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Pasta Dishes
How do I stop my one pan pasta from becoming gummy or sticking to the bottom?
That’s a worry everyone has with One Pan Pasta! The sticking usually happens because the liquid evaporated too fast or you weren’t stirring enough. Make sure you use a wide, deep skillet, and keep that lid on tight while simmering to retain steam. Also, don’t be shy about scraping the bottom every few minutes. Stirring incorporates the starch slowly, which is crucial for that creamy finish, not a sticky mess!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets, and how does that change the cooking?
Absolutely, chicken thighs are my favorite substitute for richer flavor! If you use them, just ensure they are boneless and skinless unless you want to render fat first. Thicker pieces might need an extra minute or two cooking on each side before you remove them. Just make sure they are cooked through before you add the liquid for the pasta to simmer in so you don’t overcook the chicken later.
Why does my sauce look thin after adding the Parmesan, but then it thickens later?
This is the secret to that wonderful creamy texture! When you first stir in the final amount of Garlic Parmesan cheese, the sauce is super hot and hasn’t fully absorbed the starch released by the cooking pasta. Don’t reach for more thickener! Just pull the pot off the heat, let it sit for five minutes, and the sauce will magically tighten up into that rich coating you want. It’s a waiting game!
Are there any healthy swaps I can make in this creamy chicken pasta without ruining the flavor?
Totally! If you want to lighten up the sauce, you can swap half of the half and half for low-sodium chicken broth, though it won’t be quite as rich. Also, adding a cup of pureed white beans (rinsed very well!) into the liquid when you add the stock works wonders to boost protein and fiber while keeping things creamy. For more easy swaps, see my post on one pan pasta recipes minimal cleanup!
Sharing Your One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Experience
Now that you’ve had a taste of how truly simple weeknight cooking can be with this recipe, I’m dying to hear what you think! Have you tried whipping up this glorious One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! yet? Please come back and leave a rating for the recipe right here. I truly love seeing your pictures, so tag me in your photos if you share them online!
Your feedback helps me keep focusing on the kinds of clean, high-energy meals that fit right into real life. If you’re curious about my journey building this supportive space, check out my About Me page!
Nutritional Estimates for One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
When we talk about feeding our families well—especially when we’re aiming for cleaner habits, like we do over at Melt It Clean—it’s smart to know what’s in our bowl. This One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! is incredibly satisfying, and while it uses rich ingredients like Parmesan and half and half, the single-pan method keeps the ingredients honest and whole.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings). Remember, this is just an estimate based on standard measurements, and your own pantry items (like if you use leaner chicken or slightly different cheese amounts) will affect the final tally. But this gives you a great baseline!
- Calories: 623
- Fat: 24g (with 12g saturated fat)
- Protein: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Sodium: 704mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Calcium: 283mg
I always look at the protein count first because having that solid foundation helps keep us fuller for longer, which is key to avoiding those 3 PM snack cravings! It’s a great demonstration that comfort food can absolutely align with real wellness habits.
Author Information
I truly hope this One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! saves your dinner routine this week. Creating simple, clean meals is my passion, and hearing from you makes it all worthwhile!
By EMILIA, the founder of MeltItClean.com – your digital space for natural weight loss, real wellness habits, and clean-living inspiration that actually fits your life.
For years, I struggled with the ups and downs of dieting. I tried everything — juice cleanses, low-carb crazes, fitness challenges — but I always ended up back where I started: tired, bloated, and frustrated. I didn’t just want to “lose weight” — I wanted energy, mental clarity, glowing skin, and confidence without sacrificing my joy or sanity.
After years of experimenting, learning, and unlearning, I discovered a simple truth: your body is already powerful — it just needs support, not restriction. That’s when I created Melt It Clean — a site dedicated to real transformation through clean, intentional, and nourishing daily habits that anyone can follow.
My goal was simple: build a place where people could feel informed, supported, and empowered without being overwhelmed by wellness fads.
One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan, and flour. Coat chicken tenderloins in this mixture, or sprinkle the seasonings all over the chicken.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter and add 1 teaspoon oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet that has a lid. Cook the chicken until fully done. Remove the chicken, set it aside on a plate, and keep it warm.
- In the same pot, using the remaining oil and butter, cook the onion until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with ½ cup chicken stock, then add the remaining stock and half and half.
- Add the pasta to the pot, stirring well to coat it in the liquid. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 11 to 13 minutes, stirring intermittently, until the pasta is al dente.
- The sauce will look thin initially. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. You can top the pasta with the chicken or mix it in.
