How a Simple Creamy Chicken Pasta Became a Beloved Dish in Chef Joudia’s Kitchen
There are certain dishes that seem to wrap you in warmth from the very first bite — the kind that fills your home with the aroma of love and tradition. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is one of those special meals. Chef Joudia first prepared it during a cozy family gathering, where laughter echoed and the scent of sizzling garlic and tender chicken wafted through the air. The simplicity of the dish, combined with its rich, velvety texture, made it an instant family favorite.
Inspired by the timeless appeal of creamy pasta and the satisfying heartiness of well-seasoned chicken, Chef Joudia wanted to create a version that would bring families together around the table without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Using just one pot, this dish saves time and cleanup — making it ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or even a comforting Friday dinner with loved ones. Every spoonful is packed with flavor, nostalgia, and the essence of homemade love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pot meal — especially when it brings creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and pasta together in perfect harmony. Chef Joudia created this recipe not just for its rich flavor, but for its practicality and heartwarming effect. The beauty of this dish is in its balance: you get the depth of garlic, the silkiness of cream, and the comforting bite of perfectly cooked pasta — all without needing multiple pans or hours in the kitchen.
What makes this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta truly special is its ability to adapt. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this recipe scales beautifully. It’s also ideal for Ramadan dinners, quick weeknight meals, or cozy Sundays spent indoors. The garlic isn’t overpowering; instead, it melts gently into the sauce, adding layers of savory warmth. And the chicken? Golden on the outside, juicy on the inside — just the way it should be.
This recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a way to slow down, savor the moment, and fill your home with the smell of something truly nourishing.
Ingredients + Instructions with Chef Joudia’s tips
Ingredients 🛒✨
🐔 For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗 (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1/2 tsp paprika 🌶️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
🍝 For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈
- 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 🍲
- 1 ½ cups cooking cream (or full-fat cream) 🥛
- 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work best) 🍝
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano 🌿
- Optional: a handful of fresh parsley, chopped 🌱
🔵 Instructions 📋👩🍳
1. Season & Cook the Chicken
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
🔸 Chef Joudia’s Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken sear so it develops that golden crust!
2. Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step builds the base of your creamy garlic sauce.
🔸 Chef Joudia’s Tip: Keep the heat low — garlic burns fast and turns bitter!
3. Build the Sauce & Cook Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir gently, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom. Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender.
🔸 Chef Joudia’s Tip: If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a little hot water or more broth.
4. Add Chicken Back & Finish
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir the cooked chicken back in. Sprinkle cheese and oregano, stir until melted and creamy.
🔸 Chef Joudia’s Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning here — sometimes the cheese adds enough salt on its own.
5. Serve Warm & Garnish
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Looking for more comforting dishes? Try our Creamy Classic Chicken Noodle Soup — a heartwarming recipe straight from Chef Joudia’s kitchen
Serving Tips 🍽️ + Nutrition Info 📊
🌿 Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, when the sauce is silky and the flavors are at their peak. Chef Joudia recommends serving it with a crisp side salad — think romaine, cucumber, and lemon dressing — or some lightly steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
For an elegant presentation, sprinkle extra parsley and a touch of grated cheese right before serving. If you’re preparing it for guests or a family gathering, you can serve it straight from the pot to keep things warm and comforting.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back the creaminess.
📊 Estimated Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
📌 Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Adjustments may vary depending on your specific products or portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions 🙋♀️
Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
The term “marry me pasta” became popular because of how irresistible the creamy, savory flavors are — the kind of dish you’d want to impress someone with or even get a marriage proposal over! While this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta isn’t the exact same, it shares the same soul: heartwarming, simple, and unforgettable. It’s a dish that brings people together — just like love does.
How to make creamy garlic pasta sauce?
It all starts with sautéing fresh garlic in butter, then adding cream and letting it simmer gently. The flavors deepen as it cooks with pasta and chicken broth. Finally, adding cheese gives it a smooth, velvety texture. It’s simple, but when done with care, the sauce becomes incredibly flavorful.
What kind of cream do you use in pasta?
Chef Joudia recommends using full-fat cooking cream or heavy cream for a rich texture. You can also use a mix of cream and milk if you prefer it lighter. Make sure the cream is unsweetened and suitable for savory dishes.
How to make a creamy garlic sauce for chicken?
Start by cooking your chicken first, then remove it to keep it juicy. In the same pot, add butter and garlic, followed by cream and broth. Let the sauce thicken slightly before adding the chicken back in. It absorbs the garlic flavor and becomes wonderfully tender.
Closing Message from Chef Joudia 🧕❤️
I believe food should always bring comfort and connection. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a dish I return to often — not just for its flavor, but because it brings people together without stress or fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your spouse, or just yourself, I hope this recipe brings warmth to your table, and joy to your heart. Bismillah and sahha wa raha! 🌸
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