Description
This comforting One Pan Chicken Thighs and Pasta recipe combines crispy, juicy chicken thighs with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s the perfect easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Pasta:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Melt butter in the same pan. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. - Simmer the Pasta:
Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Add the pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Return Chicken to the Pan:
Nestle chicken thighs back into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until pasta absorbs the liquid and chicken is fully cooked. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Customize by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with pasta
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: One Pan Chicken, Chicken Thighs and Pasta, Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes