One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta combines seasoned chicken, penne pasta and fresh zucchini in a rich garlic cream sauce and can be ready in about 30 minutes.
A few weeks ago I posted an easy one-pot chicken penne pasta made with a store-bought homestyle sauce. That version was a sponsored recipe, but my family genuinely enjoyed it, so I developed a slightly different take using a roasted garlic pasta sauce.
Homemade tomato sauce is wonderful when you have the time, but it usually needs a longer simmer to develop the best flavor. For weeknights and busy evenings, a high-quality jarred roasted garlic sauce is a helpful shortcut that still delivers great taste. If you prefer, you can use your own roasted garlic sauce instead.
For this recipe, the garlic is the star. In addition to using a roasted garlic pasta sauce, I seasoned the chicken with garlic powder while browning it so the garlic flavor comes through in every bite. The cream in the sauce mellows the garlic slightly, leaving a balanced, savory finish.
This is a family-friendly, casual dinner rather than a date-night entrée, and since it cooks all in one pot there’s minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, cut into small pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh zucchini, chopped (about 2 medium)
- 2 cups water
- 1 (23-oz) jar roasted garlic pasta sauce
- 2 cups mini penne pasta (about ½ pound)
- 2 cups cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, sea salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides.
- Stir in the roasted garlic pasta sauce, penne pasta and water.
- Cover and cook on high until the pasta is almost tender, stirring frequently; add a little more water if needed.
- Add the zucchini and cream, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the zucchini is slightly softened.
- Stir in the shredded Parmesan, remove from heat, and top with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
This chicken pasta is creamy, cheesy and comforting. If you worry about it being too garlicky, the cream balances the roasted garlic so the flavor is pronounced but not overwhelming.
My family loved this one-pot creamy garlic chicken pasta—my partner even went back for seconds, which is always a good sign. If you want a simple chicken dinner with a noticeable garlic boost, give this recipe a try.
Have a great day, friends!
Sharing At
Met Monday, Weekend Potluck