Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (One Pot Ditalini Pasta)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Additional Time
15 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
466 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (One Pot Ditalini Pasta)
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (One Pot Ditalini Pasta) combines boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated with lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. After marinating, the chicken is seared until browned, then set aside while diced onion and garlic are sautéed with Italian seasoning and other spices. The ditalini pasta is stirred in, followed by chicken broth and cream to create a smooth simmering base. Fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese added toward the end enrich the dish, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats tender pasta and chicken. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a bright finish.
The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, helping it absorb the combined flavors from the herbs, spices, chicken broth, and cream. The resulting texture is creamy with small pasta that holds onto the sauce well. The chicken thighs provide juicy, flavorful bites that contrast with soft, rich pasta and tender spinach.
This hearty meal is straightforward to prepare yet offers layers of complementary flavors and textures. It makes a complete dish for dinner or meal prep. The one-pot method reduces cleanup and cooks the pasta just right while keeping the chicken moist.
If ditalini pasta is unavailable, orzo can be a suitable substitute as suggested in the notes. The recipe also supports advance preparation, with marinating the chicken for optimal flavor and assembling the dish efficiently.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp oregano dried
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb chicken thigh boneless skinless, about 6 pieces
For the pasta
- 1 yellow onion small, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups spinach roughly chopped, fresh
- 1 cup ditalini pasta dried
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream light, 10% fat
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- parsley fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the marinade: whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard, dried oregano, pressed garlic, salt and pepper. Reserve 4 tbsp of the marinade and set aside.
- Add the chicken to a bowl and add the rest of the marinade. Toss the chicken to coat it and let sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large high sided skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, turn to medium heat and add the chicken thighs. Cook until deeply golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes and then remove the chicken to a plate or bowl and set aside.
- Turn the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until just softened. Then, add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the noodles and stir well to coat with the oils and herbs in the pan.
- Stir in the chicken broth and cream and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the spinach until combined and add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices from the plate/bowl the chicken was on, keeping at a simmer and stirring every few minutes, for 10-14 minutes with the lid mostly on until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. *Note: If the pasta is not quite done to your liking, add 1/4-1/2 cup more chicken broth and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente*
- Once the pasta is cooked, move the chicken thighs to the sides of the pan and stir in ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, nestle the chicken thighs in and let cook for 5 more minutes. Before serving, drizzle the 4 tbsp of marinade over the dish and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Orzo is a good alternative if ditalini pasta is unavailable, as it has a similar cooking time.
- This dish stores well for meal prep; divide into containers for convenient lunches during the week.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes to develop deeper flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 466 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 466kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 33.7g | 11% |
| Protein | 32.7g | 65% |
| Fat | 23.2g | 36% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6g | 28% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9g | 17% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 117.7mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 3645.9mg | 152% |
| Fiber | 2.7g | 11% |
| Sugar | 6.5g | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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