Amazing Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter

Oh, hello there! On those nights when the fridge is looking a little sad and the thought of doing a mountain of dishes feels absolutely dreadful, I have a go-to recipe that’s a total lifesaver: my Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter. Seriously, it’s one of those magical meals where everything cooks together in one pot. Think tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in this dreamy, garlicky butter sauce. It’s the definition of comfort food, but in a way that actually feels good for you. I first whipped this up during a particularly hectic week when I had zero energy but a huge craving for something warm and hearty, and it’s been a staple ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter

Honestly, there are so many reasons this dish is a winner, especially when life gets hectic. Check it out:

• Super Easy Cleanup: Seriously, one pot? Yes, please! Less scrubbing means more time enjoying your evening.
• Busy Weeknight Rescue: It comes together so quickly, you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table even when you’re short on time. Find more easy healthy dinner recipes for busy nights here!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: That creamy garlic butter sauce clinging to tender chicken and pasta? Pure cozy bliss.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters usually gobble this one up! It’s got all the good stuff.
• Customizable: Feel free to toss in extra veggies or swap out the pasta type. It’s super flexible!
• Satisfyingly Wholesome: You get protein, carbs, and that delicious flavor, making it a meal that truly hits the spot without weighing you down.

Ingredients for Your Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing one-pot wonder. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you might even have on hand!

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic!)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 12 ounces of your favorite pasta – fettuccine, penne, or linguine work great!
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for that lovely garnish

How to Make Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is seriously designed to be simple, so don’t be intimidated. We’re basically going to build layers of flavor right in one pot. Ready?

1. First things first, let’s get your pot or deep skillet warmed up. Pop in the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of that glorious butter. Let them heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and looks shimmery.
2. Now, season your sliced chicken generously with salt, pepper, and that little pinch of paprika. Carefully add the chicken to the hot pot. We want it to get a nice little golden sear on both sides, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once it’s looking good, scoop it out and set it aside on a plate.



3. Don’t clean that pot! Add your minced garlic right into the same pot – it’ll catch all those yummy chicken bits. Sauté it for just about a minute until you can smell its amazing aroma. Seriously, watch it closely; burnt garlic is a tragedy!
4. Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. That’s where the flavor lives!
5. Time for the pasta! Add your fettuccine, penne, or whatever shape you chose. Make sure it’s mostly covered by the broth. If it looks a little dry, you can add a splash more broth or water.
6. Bring the liquid up to a gentle simmer. Let it cook, stirring every now and then, until the pasta is al dente – tender but still with a little bite – and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your pasta. Check the pasta package for timing guidance!
7. Now, turn the heat down to low. Stir in the heavy cream and that grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melded into a beautiful, creamy sauce.
8. It’s time to bring the chicken back into the party! Add it back into the pot. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the Italian seasoning. Let it all simmer gently for a few more minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and everything is coated in that luscious sauce. For more amazing healthy chicken dinner recipes, check out my other posts!



9. Give it a taste! Does it need a pinch more salt? A grind of pepper? Adjust it until it’s perfect for you.
10. Let this glorious pot of goodness rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up even more.
11. Finally, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it – a restaurant-worthy meal with practically no fuss! This is why I love one-pan meals!

Tips for the Perfect Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter

Making this already super simple dish even better is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up. Trust me, these small steps make a big difference!

• Quality Butter is Key: Since butter is a star flavor here, use a good quality unsalted butter. You can really taste the difference between a generic brand and something a bit more premium, and it’s worth it for that rich garlic butter flavor!
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: This is so important! Garlic goes from fragrant and delicious to bitter and burnt really fast. Keep your heat on medium-low when you add it and stir constantly for that minute. If it starts looking too brown, just pull the pot off the heat for a few seconds.
• Pasta Timing is Everything: Remember that the pasta continues to cook *after* you add the cream and cheese, and also while it rests. So, aim for it to be *just* al dente when you start stirring in the dairy. Overcooked pasta will get mushy in the sauce.
• Get Creative with Veggies: Feeling ambitious? Toss in some spinach leaves with the cream and cheese – they’ll wilt down beautifully. Or, sauté some mushrooms or chopped bell peppers right after the garlic for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients and add to this healthy comfort food!
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as rich. Just stir it in gently.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about a few ingredients because, let’s be honest, sometimes you need a little wiggle room or just a good explanation! When it comes to the pasta, really any shape works well here. Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are classics for a creamy sauce, but don’t be afraid to use rotini or farfalle if that’s what you have. They do a great job of catching all that yummy sauce. If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can totally swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even a good quality unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though the richness will change slightly. And for the chicken broth, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute if you’re going meatless or have it on hand – it still brings great savory flavor. For more ideas on creating balanced meals with veggies, protein, and flavor, check out my other posts!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter is best served piping hot, right out of the pot! A sprinkle of fresh parsley really makes it pop, and a side salad never hurts, right? If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, I find gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat with a tiny splash of milk or broth works wonders to bring back that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can sometimes make the pasta a bit too soft. For more ideas on making meals ahead, you’ll love my tips on easy meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pot Chicken Pasta

Got questions about this delicious Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! It’s super easy to make this a vegetarian dish. Just skip the chicken altogether, and sauté some extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers in step 2 after you’ve heated the oil and butter. You might want to add a little extra broth or a pinch more seasoning to compensate for the lack of chicken flavor, but it’s totally doable and still delicious!

What kind of pasta works best?

For this one-pot pasta, you really can’t go wrong with shapes that hold sauce well. Fettuccine, linguine, and penne are my favorites because the sauce clings to them beautifully. Rotini or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) also work great at catching all that garlicky goodness in their nooks and crannies!

How can I make it healthier?

Great question! To make this even healthier, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even unsweetened cashew milk for a lighter sauce. Load it up with extra veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. And of course, serving it with a big side salad is always a good move!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are fantastic because they tend to stay moister. Just slice them up and cook them the same way as the breasts. They might take a minute or two longer to cook through, but you’ll get a really tender result.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter is an estimate per serving. Different brands and ingredient choices can change things up, but generally, expect around 750 calories, 45g of fat (25g saturated), 35g of protein, and 55g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that nourishes you!

Share Your Pot Chicken Pasta Creation!

I absolutely adore hearing from you! Did you try this amazing Pot Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter? I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or share a photo of your creation on social media – tag me so I can see! Your feedback makes my day.

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