This one-pot chicken pasta is a rich and creamy delight that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. Everything cooks in one pot, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

Cuisine: Italian-American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Minimal Cleanup: This entire dish comes together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy pasta is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite pasta, add veggies, or use shrimp instead of chicken.
- Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: The creamy sauce and tender chicken will make this feel like a gourmet treat without the price tag.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 200 g / 7 oz chicken breast: Halve horizontally for even cooking. Use boneless, skinless chicken for best results.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance flavor.
For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
- 250 g / 8 oz fettuccine: Use traditional fettuccine, but spaghetti or linguine work well too. Break the pasta in half if your skillet is small.
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups milk (any fat %): Whole milk gives a creamier sauce, but low-fat works too.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock / broth: Adds depth of flavor. Use low-sodium to control salt levels.
- 1 large garlic clove, minced: Freshly minced garlic is key to the flavor base.
- 1/2 cup thickened / heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor (avoid pre-grated).
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra Parmesan: For serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken to the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces while the pasta cooks.
Step 3: Start the Sauce
In the same skillet (do not clean it), add the milk, chicken broth, and minced garlic.
Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the fettuccine to the skillet.
Stir every 30 seconds for the first 3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Once the pasta softens slightly, reduce the heat to medium and stir every couple of minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Around the 9–10 minute mark, the pasta should be nearly cooked, and there should still be liquid at the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick or “gluggy,” add a splash of hot water and toss until it returns to a silky consistency.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any long pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta type.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. The sauce may be slightly less rich but will still be creamy and delicious.