If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s rich, cheesy, and comes together without a lot of fuss, you’re going to love my One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish is one of those recipes I turn to when I want dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a velvety parmesan sauce—all made in one pot for easy cleanup. Keep reading because this recipe seriously delivers and I’ll share tips to make it foolproof for you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy parmesan sauce paired with juicy chicken and pasta offers the ultimate cozy dinner vibes.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.
Customizable: You can swap pasta shapes or toss in veggies to make it your own.

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, one pot pasta dinner, comforting chicken pasta recipe, easy cheesy chicken pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to build that luscious creamy sauce and tender chicken that makes this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe a family favorite. I always recommend using fresh parmesan cheese and good-quality chicken stock for the best flavor.

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, one pot pasta dinner, comforting chicken pasta recipe, easy cheesy chicken pasta

Chicken tenderloins: These cook quickly and stay tender, but feel free to use chicken cutlets or boneless thighs if you prefer.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
Italian seasoning: A handy blend that adds a familiar herbaceous punch—split it to layer the flavor through the dish.
Shredded parmesan: Freshly shredded is best for melty goodness; avoid pre-grated which can sometimes clump.
All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce beautifully without needing extra steps.
Olive oil (not extra virgin): I like using regular olive oil here because extra virgin can impart a stronger flavor that’s less neutral for frying chicken.
Butter: Adds richness and helps develop that silky sauce.
Yellow onion: Finely diced so it melts quietly into the sauce and adds sweetness.
Garlic: Always fresh and minced—just a few cloves give this dish an irresistible aroma.
Chicken stock: The base for the sauce and pasta cooking liquid; homemade or store-bought both work well.
Half and half (or single cream): Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy.
Dried pasta: Any small shape will do; I like something like penne, fusilli, or shells to tuck in the sauce.

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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

I love that this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a blank canvas—feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to sneak in some veggies for extra nutrition or adjust the protein, there’s lots of room to play.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition.
Swap the Chicken: If I’m short on chicken, I’ve used cooked sausage or shrimp and it still works beautifully with the parmesan sauce.
Dairy-Free Version: You can substitute coconut cream for the half and half and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan twist.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some smoked paprika really wakes up the flavors if you like a little heat.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by mixing half the Italian seasoning with salt, pepper, shredded parmesan, and the flour. This combo creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken that locks in juices and adds flavor. Coat each chicken tenderloin evenly. I usually sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken and toss it to make sure everything sticks well.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through—about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Don’t crowd the pan, so brown the chicken in batches if needed. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm. This step is crucial because it builds flavor and texture in the dish.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onions and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and olive oil to the same pot. Toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, usually about 2 minutes. This step mellows out the onions and sets a sweet base for the sauce.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it here—garlic is delicate but super important for that signature parmesan pasta aroma.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Grab half a cup of your chicken stock and pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon. This is flavor gold and you want it in your sauce.

Then add the rest of the chicken stock and the half and half. Stir to combine, creating the creamy base for the pasta to cook in.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add your dried pasta to the pot, stirring well so each piece is coated in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 11–13 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally—this keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.

Keep an eye on the texture: you want the pasta al dente, with just a bit of bite left. If the liquid absorbs too quickly before the pasta is done, just add a splash more chicken stock or water.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Once the pasta is ready, stir in the remaining Italian seasoning and the shredded parmesan cheese. The sauce will seem thin at first, but I promise it thickens beautifully as it cools and the cheese melts through.

Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—seasoning is key to popping all those layered flavors.

Finally, return the cooked chicken to your pot. I like to nestle it on top for presentation, but feel free to stir it in so every bite has a little chicken surprise.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly shredded parmesan melts better and gives this sauce a much creamier texture than pre-grated powders.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Scraping up those brown bits from cooking the chicken adds depth—kind of like secret flavor magic in your sauce.
Watch Pasta Closely: Stir often when simmering pasta in the sauce to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom.
Adjust Liquids if Needed: If the sauce reduces too quickly before pasta is al dente, add a splash more chicken stock or water to keep things creamy and smooth.

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, one pot pasta dinner, comforting chicken pasta recipe, easy cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

I love topping this creamy parmesan chicken pasta with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a fresh, bright contrast to all that richness and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. A little extra shredded parmesan on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

My go-to side is a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or olive oil and balsamic. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is also perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, making sure nothing goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this pasta layered in individual bowls with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top. It feels fancy but still easy to pull off. You could also bake it briefly with extra cheese for a golden crusty top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When storing, I like to make sure the sauce covers the pasta to keep it from drying out overnight.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is a little tricky because of the creamy sauce—it can separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the pasta and chicken separately, then reheating on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a little milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps maintain creaminess.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is very versatile. Just choose a small- to medium-sized dried pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or shells so it cooks evenly in the sauce. Avoid very large shapes that might not cook through properly in the pot.
What can I substitute if I don’t have half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, you can mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream as a substitute. Alternatively, single cream works well, especially in the UK. This keeps the sauce creamy without being too thick or heavy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another non-dairy milk for the half and half. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan to add that cheesy flavor without dairy. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cooking chicken tenderloins until they’re firm and slightly golden on both sides usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. To be sure, cut into the thickest part; the meat should be opaque with no pink inside. Using a meat thermometer, chicken should register 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe takes the stress out of weeknight dinners while still tasting like something special. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, which is why it’s become a go-to in my house. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair perfectly with the pasta, and cleanup is a breeze since it all cooks in one pot. If you’re looking for a recipe to impress without a ton of effort, give this one a try—I’m confident you’ll come back to it again and again!