Looking for dinner that’s easy and insanely delicious? This One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Imagine rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and loaded with Parmesan, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup—because who wants to wash extra dishes? It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for those nights when you just want something simple but seriously satisfying. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds (and thirds)! Keto, low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian variations in this section!
Why You Should Make This One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With everything cooked in one pot, this recipe saves you time on both cooking and cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Creamy: The rich garlic Parmesan sauce is irresistibly creamy, yet lightened up to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Use the Leftover: Got leftover chicken? This recipe turns it into something amazing, giving those leftovers a whole new life.
- Family-Friendly: It’s the kind of dish everyone loves—comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. You’ll be the dinner hero!
- Healthy Twist: Enjoy the indulgence of creamy pasta without the guilt. It’s made with better-for-you ingredients that still taste indulgent.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes mean more time to relax after dinner—because let’s be real, no one loves doing dishes.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. It’s a crowd-pleaser with endless possibilities.
Recipe Variations for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Bacon Boost: Add crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and a little indulgence—because everything’s better with bacon, right?
- Veggie Delight: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for a veggie-packed twist that’s just as creamy and delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Love a bit of heat? Stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your creamy pasta a spicy edge.
- Seafood Swap: Swap out the chicken for some shrimp or scallops, giving the dish a seafood flair that’s just as rich and satisfying.
- Herb Explosion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh twist to the creamy sauce.
- Pesto Perfection: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a garlicky, herbaceous boost that takes the dish to the next level.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a variety of cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for an extra cheesy, melty, and gooey version of this creamy pasta.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet punch that pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Greek Style: Swap the Parmesan for feta cheese and add some olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Broccoli Boost: Throw in some steamed or roasted broccoli for a healthy, crunchy addition that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Diet Variations for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Keto-Friendly: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, and use heavy cream in place of milk. You'll get all the creamy goodness without the carbs.
- Gluten-Free: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you're good to go! The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.
- Dairy-Free: Sub in coconut milk or almond milk for the milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. You'll still get that creamy, garlicky flavor without the dairy.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and load up on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies. The sauce will still be rich and satisfying, just with a veggie twist!
- Vegan: Go all out by swapping the chicken for tofu or tempeh, use vegan Parmesan, and sub in your favorite plant-based milk. You’ll keep the flavor and skip the animal products!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use any type of leftover chicken?
- Absolutely! Whether it's grilled, baked, or roasted, any leftover chicken works perfectly in this creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. Just shred or chop it up and toss it in!
- How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
- Undercook your pasta by a minute or two when boiling. This way, it holds up well when reheating and stays perfectly al dente.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Sure thing! Swap out the Parmesan and milk with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and coconut cream. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll still be creamy and delicious.
- How long will this meal prep last in the fridge?
- Stored in airtight containers, this meal prep can last up to 4 days in the fridge. Perfect for enjoying throughout the week!
- What veggies can I add to this?
- Spinach, broccoli, or peas make great additions to boost the nutrition and add some green goodness to your pasta.
- Can I freeze this pasta?
- You can, but the sauce might separate a bit when reheating. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
- How do I reheat without drying it out?
- Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy and delicious. Microwave it in short bursts or warm it up on the stovetop.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly?
- Totally! The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is a hit with kids, and you can always tone down the garlic if they prefer milder flavors.
More Meal Prep Recipes!
- Whole30 Turkey Meatballs
- Mexican Bowl Meal Prep
- Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
- Sweet Chili Chicken Meal Prep
- Leftover Chicken Curry Meal Prep
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Recipe
One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Looking for dinner that’s easy and insanely delicious? This One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Imagine rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and loaded with Parmesan, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta or pasta of choice
- 2 cups skim milk or milk of choice
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken boned and cubed
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cups baby tomatoes quartered
- 1 ½ cup green onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup low fat parmesan cheese or mozarella
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the onion in olive oil using a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
Sweat the minced garlic for 30-45 seconds.
Add the milk and chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. As soon as bubbles start forming, add the pasta and cooked chicken, then cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed and the pasta is properly cooked.
Turn off the heat and stir in the tomatoes, green onion, and parmesan cheese. Wait 1-2 minutes and serve.
If used for meal prepping, split into 5 separate containers.
Recipe Notes
Optional: If used for meal prep, undercook by 1-2 minutes
Please look at the sections above the recipe card for additional information on the recipe.
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