One-Pot Chicken and Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
A comforting weeknight meal where tender chicken and pasta simmer in a garlicky tomato sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces chicken thighs
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces) and cook for 5 minutes until golden, then set aside.
- Step 2: Add 4 cloves, minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) and 1 cup chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti to the pot, stirring to submerge. Simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped), and cooked chicken. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken and Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Chicken and Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Chicken and Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.