If you love hearty, creamy meals that don’t require a sink full of dishes, this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is going to become your new weeknight favorite.
It’s rich, cheesy, loaded with garlic, and packed with tender chicken — all cooked in a single pot. This means less mess, fewer steps, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re a student, a busy parent, or just someone who wants a cozy meal without the chaos, this dish hits all the right notes.
Why This Recipe Works
In today’s fast-paced life, people want something simple, satisfying, and stress-free — and that’s exactly what this recipe offers:
- One pot = minimal clean-up
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and creaminess
- Uses pantry staples
The garlic and cream sauce wraps around the pasta like a warm hug, while the seared chicken adds flavor and heartiness. Serve it for dinner, meal prep it for lunch, or even enjoy it on a lazy Sunday with a cold drink and good company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients are easy to find in local stores (or you probably already have them at home).
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken | 400–500g, cubed |
| Garlic | 4–5 cloves, minced |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Pasta (penne/fusilli) | 2 cups (dry) |
| Chicken stock/broth | 3 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Cheese (cheddar/mozzarella) | 1 cup, grated |
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Oregano (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Red chili flakes | Optional, for a kick |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper. If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a deep pan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and sear them for 5–6 minutes until they are golden on the outside and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic & Onion
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions for 2–3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Pasta & Broth
Now pour in your dry pasta and chicken broth. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The broth will start to absorb into the pasta and thicken slightly.
5. Cream It Up
Once the pasta is nearly cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, pour in the cream and return the chicken to the pot. Stir everything gently. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, uncovered, so the sauce thickens and the chicken finishes cooking.
6. Add Cheese
Now it’s time for magic. Stir in your grated cheese and mix until melted and gooey. Add oregano, red chili flakes, or black pepper for extra flavor.
Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed.
7. Serve Hot
Serve immediately while creamy and warm. Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or extra cheese if you’d like. Serve it on its own or with garlic bread and a simple salad.
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Use short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells — they hold sauce better.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Low and slow simmering after adding cream helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or extra broth to loosen it up.
Variations You Can Try
This one-pot recipe is super flexible. You can make it your own based on what’s in your kitchen:
- Veggie Lover’s Version: Add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli right after sautéing garlic.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add jalapeños or more chili flakes for heat.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
What People Are Saying
“I tried this with spinach and it was amazing. So easy and my family devoured it!” – Aisha
“Never thought creamy pasta could be made in one pot — this was perfect for meal prep.” – Bilal
“The garlic flavor was spot on. I used mozzarella and cheddar blend — will definitely make again!” – Zara
Why You Should Try This Tonight
If you’re short on time but still want something indulgent and flavorful, this creamy garlic chicken pasta is calling your name. You don’t need fancy ingredients or cooking skills — just a pot, a spoon, and some good appetite.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and richness without the mess of multiple pans. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to dinner recipe.