This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Pasta is not only creamy and delicious but it’s super quick to make, ready in 30 minutes and pure comfort food! The secret of this one pot dish is in its simplicity!
PROCESS:
- First, melt some butter in a pan and throw in the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté them.
- Add diced chicken and cook until nearly done. Meanwhile, boil linguine until al dente
- Once the chicken is cooked, mix in the spices and tomato paste, then pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir.
- Finally, add the cooked pasta, and finish it off with fresh parsley.
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Butter: For sautéing and adding a nice richness to the dish.
Onion: This will give your dish a sweet and savory base.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that wonderful aroma and flavor.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best easy to cook and eat!
Salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor and vibrant color.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives it a nice kick.
Chili Flakes: Adjust to your spice preference; go for more if you like heat!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of flavor.
Tomato Paste: This will add a rich, tangy depth to your sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that creamy, dreamy texture.
Linguine: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Fresh Parsley for Garnish: A sprinkle on top for a fresh finish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 pack linguine
- Fresh parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the onion becomes soft and the kitchen smells amazing!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss in the diced chicken. Cook it for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s almost fully cooked through. You want it to be tender and juicy.
Step 3: Boil the Linguine
While the chicken is cooking, get another pot of salted water boiling. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Once the chicken is nearly done, stir in the salt, paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, parsley, and tomato paste. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of the pasta water to help everything come together.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until it’s all mixed in and creamy.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the drained linguine to the pan and toss everything together so the pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.
Step 7: Simmer and Serve
Let it all simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve it hot.
Tips and Notes:
If you have time, consider marinating the chicken in some of the spices and a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your preference for heat. You can also add fresh chopped chilies for a different kick.
Fresh parsley is great, but you could also add fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
For extra nutrition, throw in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes when you add the spices. They’ll add color and flavor!
Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! It helps loosen the sauce and makes everything creamy.
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream substitute.
This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream if it looks dry.
This pasta goes wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Besides parsley, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Since this is a one-pot meal, clean-up will be a breeze, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
