Quick & Creamy One-Pot Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ready to whip up a hearty one-pot creamy garlic chicken pasta that’ll make your taste buds dance?

This simple yet luxurious dish combines tender chicken, rich cream, and aromatic garlic in a single skillet.

Each forkful promises pure comfort without complicated cooking steps.

The magic happens quickly, melding robust flavors into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

Pantry staples become something extraordinary when mixed with love and a bit of culinary creativity.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t believe how effortlessly this recipe comes together, promising restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

Why One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Is A Must-Try

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This one-pot chicken pasta eliminates multiple cooking dishes, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen stress for busy home cooks.
• Savor Quick Weeknight Magic: Preparing this entire meal takes just 25-30 minutes, perfect for families needing delicious dinner solutions without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The recipe allows flexible seasoning with optional red pepper flakes, extra cheese, or different herbs, enabling personalized flavor profiles for every palate.
• Embrace Family-Friendly Dining: Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken creates a universally appealing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

What’s Inside One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for quick cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Rich base that enhances the overall savory taste of the pasta.

• Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps develop a smooth sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture for the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated is recommended for best taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear chicken and prevent sticking.
• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh minced garlic provides the best taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal depth to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.
• Pasta: Absorbs the creamy sauce and serves as the main carbohydrate base. Any medium-sized pasta like penne or fusilli works well.

How To Fix One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, aromatic Italian herbs, and smoky paprika. Let the chicken dance in the pan, turning golden and developing a delightful crust. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Craft The Velvety Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk

Whisk everything together, creating a luxurious liquid canvas.

Step 3: Transform Pasta Into Magic

Slide the uncooked pasta directly into the creamy liquid. Gently stir every few minutes to prevent any clingy bits. Let the pasta simmer and absorb all the rich flavors, becoming tender and dreamy.

Step 4: Elevate With Cheese And Chicken

Lower the heat and shower the pot with freshly grated Parmesan. Fold the golden chicken back into the creamy mixture, letting everything mingle and warm through. Taste and sprinkle extra seasoning if your heart desires.

Step 5: Bring The Feast To Life

Shower the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and inviting. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Ideas For One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Perfectly Brown Chicken: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor and prevents soggy meat.
• Garlic Infusion Trick: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich, deep flavor base for the entire dish.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution throughout the entire pasta.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Add Parmesan off the direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture that coats every bite perfectly.
• Quick Dietary Swap: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe more diet-friendly.

How To Store One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the one-pot chicken pasta for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its creamy texture and flavor intact.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the sauce's original creaminess and prevent dryness.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Never reheat the pasta more than once, as this can compromise food safety and quality.
• For best results, consume refrigerated pasta within the recommended timeframe and always check for any unusual odors or changes in appearance before eating.
• Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.

Good Sides With One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy garlic chicken pasta's rich flavor profile.
• Elevate Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Perfect Salad Match: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Enhance Side Vegetable: Roast some asparagus or green beans with olive oil and garlic to echo the pasta's flavors while adding nutritious green elements to the meal.

Change Up One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and add diced green chilies. Swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese and top with chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate dried oregano, fresh dill, and crumbled feta cheese. Add halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean flavors. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with garlic before adding broth. Include a splash of white wine for depth and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves. Stir in some extra sautéed mushrooms just before serving for texture.
• Tuscan-Inspired Chicken Pasta: Blend in sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Use a blend of Parmesan and pecorino romano cheeses. Garnish with toasted pine nuts for a rustic Italian touch.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Questions Solved

• Why use a one-pot method for this chicken pasta recipe?

The one-pot technique saves time on cleanup, reduces dish washing, and allows flavors to develop by cooking everything in the same pot, creating a richer, more integrated taste experience.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with fettuccine or penne, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni without changing the cooking method.

• How can I make this dish more protein-packed?

You can increase protein by adding extra chicken, using rotisserie chicken, incorporating cooked bacon bits, or stirring in some sliced grilled shrimp for variety and additional protein boost.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This creamy chicken pasta reheats wonderfully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

One-pot creamy garlic chicken pasta weaves Italian comfort with weeknight convenience, delivering rich flavors in minutes. Parmesan-kissed noodles and tender chicken create a simple yet luxurious meal you can savor without complicated kitchen work.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear the chicken pieces in a spacious skillet with heated olive oil, coating each morsel with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings. Develop a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer the succulent protein to a waiting plate.
2. In the identical culinary vessel, transform butter into a silky base, introducing minced garlic to release its intense fragrance. Create a luxurious liquid foundation by incorporating chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, and smooth milk, whisking until harmoniously integrated.
3. Gently cascade uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid landscape, allowing each strand to nestle and absorb the rich surrounding flavors. Periodically stir to prevent unwanted adhesion, monitoring until pasta reaches perfect al dente tenderness.
4. Reduce heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until a creamy consistency emerges. Reintroduce the previously prepared chicken, folding gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Fine-tune flavor profile with additional seasonings as desired.
5. Elegantly crown the dish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finish. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, rich texture of the original dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.
• Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that still provides amazing creaminess.
• Select firm pasta shapes like penne or rotini to help capture more sauce and prevent potential mushiness during one-pot cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg