There’s something magical about a dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic butter sauce – especially when it all comes together in just one pan! This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is my answer to those busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like it took hours but comes together in minutes.

I discovered this recipe during one particularly hectic week when I was juggling deadlines and dinner duties. The thought of washing multiple pots and pans just wasn’t appealing, but I still wanted something comforting and delicious. That’s when this one-pan wonder was born, and it’s been a game-changer ever since.

What makes this dish special is how the pasta cooks right in the same pan with the chicken, absorbing all those wonderful flavors as it goes. The garlic butter sauce isn’t just creamy – it’s rich with layers of flavor that develop as everything cooks together. Each strand of pasta becomes infused with garlic, herbs, and the savory essence of chicken.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re talking about everyday ingredients combining to create something extraordinary. The sauce is velvety smooth without being heavy, and the garlic adds just the right punch without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a culinary genius while actually being surprisingly simple to prepare.

And let’s talk about that moment when it all comes together – when the pasta is perfectly cooked, the chicken is juicy, and the sauce is clinging to every bite. It’s pure comfort food magic, and the fact that it only dirties one pan makes it taste even better!

Resume:
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, combining juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce in a single pan. The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

The cooking method allows the pasta to absorb the flavors as it cooks, creating deeper, more complex taste profiles than traditional pasta dishes. The garlic butter sauce develops naturally as the dish comes together, coating each element perfectly.

Every ingredient serves a purpose, from the garlic that infuses the entire dish with its aromatic flavor to the carefully timed addition of cream that creates the luxurious sauce. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious. It’s a recipe that’s both practical and indulgent, perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates efficient, flavorful cooking.

Exciting Story:
One Wednesday evening, my husband came home late from work, completely exhausted. As he walked through the door, the aroma of garlic and butter filled our kitchen, and his face lit up immediately. “What’s that smell?” he asked, dropping his briefcase and heading straight to the kitchen. I was just finishing up this one-pan pasta dish, and as we sat down to eat, he took one bite and declared it “restaurant quality.” Now it’s become our Wednesday night tradition – our middle-of-the-week reward that we both look forward to. Even our picky teenage nephew, who usually sticks to plain pasta with butter, asked for seconds and the recipe to take home to his mom!

Why This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

This dish is a perfect storm of convenience and comfort. The one-pan approach means minimal cleanup, but it’s so much more than just an easy dinner. The pasta cooks in the same pan as the chicken, absorbing all the flavors along the way. The garlic butter sauce develops naturally, becoming rich and creamy without any complicated techniques. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, yet it’s simple enough to make when you’re tired and hungry.

What You Need For One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Let me guide you through this comforting one-pan wonder. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until they’re golden brown on the outside and just cooked through – about 5-6 minutes. Remove them to a plate and cover to keep warm.

In the same pan (don’t clean it – those brown bits are flavor gold!), melt the remaining butter. Add your minced garlic and let it dance in the butter until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook it for another minute, stirring constantly. This creates the base for our creamy sauce.

Now, gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add your pasta directly to the pan – yes, uncooked! This is where the magic happens. Bring it to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost tender (about 12 minutes).

Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken. Return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is rich and creamy. Finish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!

Tips For One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

The key to success with this dish is timing. Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks in the broth – you want it just shy of al dente when you add the cream, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Don’t rush the garlic butter sauce base. Taking the time to cook the flour in the butter and gradually add the broth will result in a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Try it with different pasta shapes – rotini or fusilli work great for catching the sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition. For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make a Healthier Version

For a lighter take on this comfort food classic, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition. Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also increase the protein and decrease the carbs by using more chicken and less pasta. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch as a thickener.

Closing For One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta:
And there you have it! A comforting, creamy, and incredibly simple one-pan meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other easy weeknight dinner recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta:

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated; add a splash of milk when reheating.
2. Why is my sauce too thick/thin?
   The sauce thickness depends on pasta cooking time and liquid evaporation. If too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Half-and-half is a good middle ground.
4. What’s the best pan to use?
   A large, deep skillet or sauté pan (12 inches) with a lid works best.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, just add it near the end of cooking to warm through.
6. My pasta is taking longer to cook than specified. Why?
   Different pasta brands and shapes may require different cooking times. Keep testing until it reaches your desired tenderness.
7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   Absolutely! Add quick-cooking vegetables in the last few minutes of cooking.
8. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
9. Why did my sauce separate?
   This usually happens if the heat is too high when adding cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes, they work great and often stay more tender.
11. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
    Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks, especially in the first few minutes.
12. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently.