One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that comes together in a single pot for easy cooking and cleanup. Tender chicken is seared to perfection, then simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup and easy preparation.
• Rich & Creamy – A luscious garlic Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly – A comforting dish everyone will love.
• Customizable – Add veggies, spices, or protein variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic – In the same pot, add more butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids & Pasta – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the pasta and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta – Let the pasta cook in the liquid, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Stir in Cheese & Chicken – Add the Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together until creamy and well combined.
6. Serve & Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
• Make It Spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes or add Cajun seasoning.
• Swap the Protein – Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Lighter Version – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well; just add it at the end to warm through.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce well, but long pasta like fettuccine also works great.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch if needed.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water or extra broth.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then add the broth and pasta. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, then stir in the cream and cheese.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Try mozzarella or a mix of Parmesan and cheddar for extra creaminess.

How do I make it more garlicky?

Use roasted garlic for a deeper flavor, or add garlic powder along with fresh garlic.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy, cheesy sauce is a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasoning to make it milder.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting, and easy meal that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy creamy pasta goodness in just one pot!

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