Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta That’s Creamy & Delicious

I still remember the first time I made this easy Parmesan chicken pasta on a busy weeknight. The kitchen instantly filled with the aroma of sizzling garlic, golden chicken, and bubbling marinara sauce. By the time I stirred in the Parmesan and mozzarella, the pasta had transformed into a cheesy, creamy pot of comfort that nobody at the table could resist. Every bite was perfectly seasoned, saucy, and full of flavor — the kind of dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but is secretly simple to make at home.

This dish has quickly become one of my go-to family favorites. It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner, quick enough for weeknights, and elegant enough to serve when friends come over. Best of all, it’s a one-pot pasta recipe, which means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Callie Brooks

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy, cheesy Parmesan chicken pasta is a one-pot comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights. With golden seared chicken, marinara, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, it’s simple to make yet tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 640

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 yellow onion, minced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2–3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Equipment

• large Dutch oven
• wooden spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board and knife
• grater

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté minced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and dried oregano. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the pot. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine everything.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover to melt, or place under the broiler until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 38gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 910mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 340mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

Use thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra tenderness. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to keep it saucy. Broil the top for a golden cheese crust. Substitute the cheeses or pasta to your liking, and don’t forget the fresh basil for garnish!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• A one-pot wonder with easy cleanup.
  
• Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
  
• Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual dinner parties.
  
• Kid-friendly comfort food that adults will love too.
  
• Flexible — you can switch up the protein, pasta, or sauce.
  

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)

Here’s everything you need to create this creamy Parmesan chicken pasta, plus substitution tips:

How to Make Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Step by Step

1. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
   
2. Build flavor with aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the onion until soft, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.
   
3. Simmer the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, marinara, and oregano. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
   
4. Cook the pasta in the sauce: Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir, cover, and cook until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   
5. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
   
6. Add the chicken back: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and combine.
   
7. Cheesy finish: Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover until melted, or broil for a golden bubbly crust.
   
8. Garnish & serve: Finish with fresh basil before plating.
   

How to Serve This Creamy Pasta

• Weeknight dinner: Pair with garlic bread and a side salad.
  
• Family-style: Serve straight from the pot at the table.
  
• Holiday twist: Garnish with red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan for festive flair.
  
• Summer version: Add sautéed zucchini or cherry tomatoes for brightness.
  

How to Perfect Your Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Sear the chicken well for extra flavor before simmering.
  
• Salt the pasta sauce lightly at first since Parmesan and mozzarella add saltiness.
  
• Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
  
• Broil the top for a bubbly golden cheese crust if serving to guests.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking pasta: Remember the pasta continues cooking in the sauce.
  
• Using watery marinara: Thick sauces coat pasta better.
  
• Skipping the sear: Browning chicken builds flavor in the base.
  
• Adding cheese too early: Always add Parmesan after pasta cooks for creamy results.
  

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Tip: Add a splash of cream or broth before reheating to keep it saucy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This easy Parmesan chicken pasta is everything you love about comfort food: saucy, cheesy, creamy, and filling. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. Save this recipe for your next pasta night — it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.