Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta! Seriously, this is a game changer. It’s not just simple to make, but it’s packed with flavor that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without all the fuss. I remember the first time I made this for my family; it was a chilly evening, and I was exhausted after a long day. As soon as I served it up, the whole house filled with that heavenly garlic aroma, and you could just see everyone’s faces light up. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together around the table, with spoons flying and laughter echoing. Plus, you only need one pot! Less cleanup means more time to enjoy each other’s company. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta. I love how straightforward these ingredients are—it really keeps things simple!
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces of pasta, such as penne or fettuccine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for that lovely punch of flavor
- 2 cups chicken broth to build the base of our sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, because who doesn’t love cheese?
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this step!
- Fresh parsley for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness
How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making this one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta is super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you there!
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
First things first, heat up that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking! Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced chicken and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s beautifully browned. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink in the center. This step adds so much flavor!
Step 2: Add Garlic
Now, let’s amp up the flavor! Add in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it—garlic can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash! You want it to become fragrant and just slightly caramelized, which will add that wonderful depth of flavor to your dish.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Next up, pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat until it comes to a gentle boil. This is where the magic starts! Once it’s bubbling away, give it a good stir and scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those little bits are pure flavor gold!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now it’s time to add the pasta! Stir it in and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a little bite to it. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. When it’s done, you’ll have a beautiful, cohesive pot of chicken and pasta.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked just right, reduce the heat to low. This is crucial! Now stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and creamy. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit. Oh wow, the smell alone will have you drooling!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve up this beauty! Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can even throw on a bit more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. This dish is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just a guideline.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
So there you have it! A creamy, comforting dish that’s not only satisfying but packs a decent amount of protein too. Enjoy your meal without the guilt!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some pro tips that I swear by, and I just know they’ll help you elevate this dish even more!
- Adjust the Garlic: If you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Just remember, you don’t want to overpower the dish, so start with the recommended amount and then taste before adding more.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream and cheese. Just keep stirring to avoid any sticking or burning on the bottom. The longer you let it simmer, the creamier it’ll get!
- Choose the Right Pasta: While I recommend penne or fettuccine, you can use any pasta you love! Just make sure you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, especially for different shapes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and high-quality chicken broth will elevate your dish significantly. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Go ahead and toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes when you add the pasta. They’ll cook perfectly in that creamy sauce!
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After you finish cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit more and helps all those delicious flavors meld together.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to making a dish that not only tastes amazing but also impresses everyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Variations of One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
One of the things I adore about this one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta is how versatile it is! You can mix it up based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Here are some fun variations that will keep this dish exciting every time you make it!
- Different Pasta Shapes: While I love using penne or fettuccine, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like bowtie, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
- Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or some cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add color, flavor, and nutrients—win-win!
- Herb Infusion: Spice things up by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme along with the garlic. It really brightens the dish and adds a beautiful aroma!
- Protein Variations: Chicken isn’t the only option here! You could swap in shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan is a classic, try mixing in some mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique creaminess!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños with the garlic. It’ll give your dish a delightful kick!
These variations make it easy to tailor this dish to your taste buds or even the seasons! Don’t be afraid to get creative—the possibilities are endless, and each twist will bring new deliciousness to your table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to properly store any leftovers of this scrumptious one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta—if there are any! I mean, it’s so good that it might not last long, but just in case, here’s what you need to do.
First off, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before you stash it away. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make your delicious dish soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer the pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week!
When it’s time to reheat, there are a couple of ways you can do this. If you’re using the microwave, just scoop out a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps retain moisture), and heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. Give it a good stir after each interval to ensure even heating.
If you prefer to reheat on the stove, that’s a great option too! Just place the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra heavy cream to help loosen up the sauce. Stir it gently and keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This method helps maintain that creamy texture we all love!
And there you have it! Follow these storage and reheating tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta even after it’s left the table. Happy eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, garlic, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is pure comfort food!
- One Pot Wonder: The best part? You only need one pot to make this meal! That means less time on cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or add veggies to make it your own. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike! The creamy texture and savory flavors are sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
- Leftover Friendly: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste just as good the next day, making for a delightful lunch or dinner that requires minimal effort.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to whip up on a whim without a special trip to the grocery store.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta that Delights Instantly
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pot creamy garlic chicken pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner
