Quick & Heavenly One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something quick and delicious, and this garlic chicken pasta recipe hits all the right notes.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta.

The aroma alone draws you straight to the kitchen with anticipation.

Every bite brings layers of rich, comforting flavors that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese add the final touch of magic to this simple yet spectacular meal.

Whip up this recipe and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table, proving that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable.

Steps To Cook One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Sizzle the Chicken Warmup

Brown chicken pieces in a hot skillet with seasoning until golden and perfectly cooked. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

• Craft the Creamy Base

Melt butter in the same pan, dance minced garlic around until aromatic. Pour in broth, cream, and milk, creating a silky liquid foundation.

• Pasta Transformation

Drop pasta directly into the bubbling sauce, stirring occasionally. Allow everything to simmer and merge flavors until pasta reaches tender perfection.

• Bring It All Together

Lower heat and fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious coating. Reunite chicken with its saucy companions, mixing until harmoniously blended.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley across the top and serve immediately while steaming hot. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this one-pot wonder.

Tips To Master One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Foolproof Cooking Tips & Variations
• Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta like penne or rotini to help sauce cling better and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with diced turkey, shrimp, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse protein options that keep the recipe exciting.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking to add extra nutrition and color.
• Low-Carb Hack: Substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, delicious flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and store in an airtight container – it reheats wonderfully and tastes even better the next day when flavors have more time to meld together.

Serving One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Made Easy

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Rustic Italian-Style Spread: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Top with sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color to the dish.
• Weekend Gathering Upgrade: Complement with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the meal and create a restaurant-quality dining atmosphere.

Plan Ahead For One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated batches stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate chicken and pasta before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Transfer to freezer-safe containers, label with date, and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Rescue: Revive leftovers by adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sauce separation and maintain silky texture.
• Portion Control Trick: Use individual meal-prep containers to create grab-and-go lunches. Stack containers in refrigerator for easy workplace or school meal planning. Each portion remains fresh and ready to enjoy within 3-4 days.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 754 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein that provides a hearty, satisfying core to the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that infuses savory depth and classic Mediterranean flavor into the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, warm undertone that elevates the chicken's taste profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky foundation for the sauce, opt for unsalted for better flavor control.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that delivers intense, pungent notes throughout the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Introduces subtle, savory liquid base that enhances overall depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture and adds decadent smoothness to the sauce.
• Milk: Helps balance and lighten the cream's intensity while maintaining a luscious consistency.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and provides a tangy complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for those who enjoy a subtle heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds visual appeal and light herbal freshness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight other ingredient flavors.

Tools For One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for cooking chicken, sautéing garlic, and preparing the entire one-pot pasta dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing pasta from sticking.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately measuring chicken broth, cream, and milk.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley for garnish.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing garlic and parsley.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: Great for removing cooked chicken and serving the pasta.

Effortless Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe that simplifies weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and herbs blend seamlessly, creating a rich, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and coat chicken pieces with seasoning. Develop a golden-brown crust while ensuring thorough cooking. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
2. Creating Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk, creating a smooth, velvety liquid foundation.
3. Pasta Infusion: Add uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce, allowing it to absorb flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
4. Finalizing Dish: Reduce heat and incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes creamy. Gently reintroduce seared chicken, folding to distribute ingredients evenly. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Nail the Sear: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it’s scorching hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the meat.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Add pasta gradually and stir frequently to prevent sticking, keeping an eye on liquid levels to guarantee perfectly cooked, creamy pasta without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pan from direct heat when incorporating Parmesan to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based milk and cream for lactose-free version, or substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist without compromising rich flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 754
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1025 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 136 mg