One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)
- CuliQuest
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A comfort food classic made simple — rich, garlicky, and ready in under 30 minutes.
📖 Table of Contents
Introduction
You’ve had a long day, the dishes are stacking up, and dinner needs to make itself. That’s where this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta steps in—velvety, garlicky flavors with minimal cleanup and maximum ease.
At CuliQuest, we believe cooking at home should feel like a reward, not a chore. This recipe checks all the right boxes: it delivers creamy texture without the weight of heavy cream, made with simple pantry staples, and cooks entirely in one pot. The result? Fewer dishes, faster prep, and the kind of cozy satisfaction that usually takes hours.
🔗 Wondering how to get creamy pasta without all the dairy? Learn the secret in The Science of Creamy Sauces.
🔎 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Quick Cleanup – Everything cooks in a single pot, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
No Heavy Cream – Get that rich, creamy texture without relying on heavy dairy—a heart-friendly twist.
Family Favorite – Mild, cheesy, and garlicky—this dish is consistently devoured by kids and picky eaters.
Weeknight Hero – From prep to plate in under 35 minutes. Minimal effort, maximum comfort.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for controlled salt levels)
1 cup whole milk (for creaminess without actual cream)
8 oz uncooked penne pasta (or other short pasta of choice)
For the Sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the sauce without flour or cream)
Salt & pepper to taste
To Finish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended for color and freshness)
⚠️ Allergen & Dietary Notes
This recipe contains dairy and gluten.
For a gluten-free option, substitute with certified gluten-free pasta.
To make it dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based cheese alternative as noted in the Variations section.
Always double-check ingredient labels for specific allergens or cross-contamination.
🍳 Essential Kitchen Tools
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to whip up this cozy dish. Just a few reliable tools:
Large sauté pan or deep skillet – Must be wide enough to hold pasta, sauce, and chicken all together. A 12-inch pan works great.
Tongs or silicone spatula – Ideal for stirring and flipping chicken evenly without tearing it.
Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring as the sauce thickens without scratching nonstick surfaces.
Liquid measuring cup – For precise broth and milk measurements.
Microplane or box grater – To freshly grate Parmesan for max flavor.
🛠️ No microplane? Pre-grated Parmesan will work in a pinch, but fresh gives the best melt and taste.
🔪 How to Make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Let’s turn pantry staples into weeknight gold—one creamy step at a time.
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat oil in your sauté pan over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
📝 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
2. Remove Chicken, Sauté Garlic & Aromatics
Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Lower heat to medium, then sauté minced garlic and a touch of butter until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
3. Add Pasta, Broth & Milk
Pour in your uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk directly into the pan.
Stir well to combine and make sure the pasta is submerged.
4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
📝 Tip: If liquid absorbs too quickly, add an extra splash of milk.
5. Add Cheese & Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat, then stir in Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is silky.
If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Slice Chicken & Serve
Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a grind of black pepper. Done!
Need dinner in 30 minutes? Check out this Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry for bold flavor with zero fuss.
🧀 Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
These tips ensure your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time—no surprises, no soggy noodles, just creamy, dreamy comfort food.
Prevent Sticking:
Stir the pasta frequently during the first few minutes of simmering. This helps prevent clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot, especially with milk in the mix.
Adjust the Sauce Thickness:
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Stir gently so the pasta doesn’t break apart.
Pick the Right Pasta:
Short pastas like penne, fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni work best—they hold onto the sauce and cook evenly in one pot. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair, which tend to overcook quickly in this method.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Even easy one-pot recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:
Overcooking the pasta – It will continue to cook a little from residual heat, so stop just shy of al dente.
Not stirring during simmering – This can lead to pasta sticking to the bottom or clumping together.
Adding too much liquid too soon – Stick to the recommended amounts first. You can always add more if needed.
Melting cheese over high heat – Always remove from heat before stirring in cheese to avoid clumping or grainy sauce.
📚 Delicious Variations and Add-ins to Try
Want to customize your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta to match what’s in your fridge—or your cravings? Here’s how to make it your own:
Boost the Veggies:
Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the end—it wilts perfectly in the residual heat. Or sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost. Sundried tomatoes add tangy richness, while chili flakes give it a subtle kick.
Protein Swaps:
Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey sausage, or even tofu for a twist. Just adjust the searing time accordingly.
Dairy-Free Options:
Use unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based cheese alternative to make it dairy-light. Still creamy, still delicious.
Make It Gluten-Free:
Opt for gluten-free penne or rotini—just check the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from wheat-based pasta.
🔗 Want a pizza night upgrade? This Homemade Margherita Pizza uses no-knead dough that practically makes itself.
🧠 CuliTip: The Secret to Creamy Sauce Without Heavy Cream
Ever wonder how this pasta turns out so lusciously creamy without a drop of heavy cream? It’s not magic—it’s starch science and smart layering.
✨ Hint: The pasta releases its own natural thickener as it simmers, bonding with the broth and milk for that ultra-silky finish.
Ever wonder how creamy sauces work without the cream? This guide unpacks the starch-powered magic.
🥄 How to Serve and Garnish
This rich, creamy pasta is a full-on comfort experience—but it shines even brighter with the right pairing:
Garlic Bread – Perfect for swiping up that last bit of sauce.
Fresh Side Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
Lemon Zest or Wedge – A bright hit of citrus lifts the whole dish.
Sprinkle of Parmesan or Red Pepper Flakes – For a little extra edge, depending on your mood.
Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a cozy Sunday night, these little additions turn your bowl of pasta into a well-rounded meal.
🥗 Why Nutrition Info Matters
Whether you’re counting calories, tracking macros, or just curious—knowing what’s in your food helps you make informed choices. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition breakdown per serving:
📊 Nutrition Facts
Understanding what goes into your meal is key to mindful eating. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for our One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta — ideal if you’re tracking calories or just curious about the meal’s macros:
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands or ingredient substitutions.
🧊 How to Store and Reheat
You didn’t think the comfort stopped at dinner, did you?
Leftovers of this creamy garlic chicken pasta are just as dreamy the next day—if not better. Here’s how to store and reheat like a pro while keeping that silky texture intact:
🥶 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Glass containers help preserve the flavor better than plastic.
Freezer: Not recommended. Dairy-based sauces can split or become grainy when frozen and reheated.
🔥 Reheating Without Ruining It
Stovetop (Best Method): Add a splash of milk or broth to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again.
Microwave: Add a tiny splash of liquid to your bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts—stirring in between—to avoid drying out.
💡 Pro Move: Add a little grated cheese while reheating to bring the sauce back together. Works like a charm.
With the right method, your leftovers won’t just survive—they’ll thrive.
❓ Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best to absorb the sauce evenly. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair as it may overcook quickly.
Q2: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or oil. The creaminess will be slightly lighter but still delicious!
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Freezing creamy pasta can sometimes change the texture, but you can freeze if necessary. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Q4: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A: Minced garlic from a jar or garlic powder can be used, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Adjust quantity to taste.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added in Step 4 for extra nutrition and flavor.
📜 Full Recipe Recap
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Weeknight comfort made easy—with no heavy cream, no extra dishes, and all the flavor you love.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: parsley, lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in broth, milk, and uncooked pasta. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in Cheese: Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, stir in Parmesan cheese and return chicken to the pan.
Finish & Serve: Let sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Garnish and serve hot.
🍽️ Final Thoughts & Join the CuliQuest Community
At CuliQuest, we believe that amazing food doesn’t need to mean a sink full of dishes or a long grocery list. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is proof—comforting, rich, and surprisingly light without a drop of heavy cream. Whether it’s dinner for one or a family favorite, this is a go-to recipe worth bookmarking.
Cooking at home should feel rewarding—not overwhelming. With easy, flavor-packed recipes like this, it can.
Don’t miss out on more no-fuss, high-flavor recipes like this one.
💬 Reader Interaction
What’s your favorite one-pot pasta trick? A secret ingredient? A go-to veggie toss-in? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!
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I would like to make this for my family