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Home » Recipes » Freezer Meals

Garlic Chicken Pasta

By Karrie on September 1, 2021 | Updated September 30, 2021 | 25 Comments

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This Garlic Chicken Pasta is big on flavor, packed with protein, and super-satisfying. Is it a chicken dinner with pasta? Is it a pasta dinner with chicken? It’s both! Lightly sauced, tossed with cheese, and seasoned with garlic, onion, and spices. You’ll feel full without feeling stuffed. 

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of garlic chicken pasta with a silver fork in it and a spoon on the side of it with fresh basil around the bowls.

Some of my favorite pasta meals are the ones where the sauce flavors the pasta instead of drowning it. This is definitely one of those recipes.

This chicken garlic pasta has quite a few “type A” flavor personalities, like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese. What makes this recipe so amazing is the way those ingredients are treated. Rather than beating & blending everything together for the common good, this dish lets each individual flavor sing!

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of garlic chicken pasta with a silver fork in it with fresh basil around and a silver pan behind it full of pasta.

While this garlic chicken pasta is hearty enough to serve year-round, it makes an especially wonderful spring or summer meal that doesn’t weigh you down with thick cream sauce.

I will do anything to make sure my family gets a wholesome, homemade meal. But if I can do it in just one skillet, even better! This is an easy recipe – with an even easier cleanup.

INGREDIENTS

This easy to make garlic chicken pasta recipe is made with fresh chicken breast, a little olive oil and butter, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Onion, garlic, and tomatoes provide the base of the flavor profile, which seasons the pasta as it cooks. Red pepper flakes add a touch of spice, and the half & half and mozzarella cheese and some richness to the sauce.

A silver pan with uncooked pasta, basil, onion, garlic in it with spices, cheese and water in containers around it.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC CHICKEN PASTA

Preheat large skillet to medium high heat. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter. 

Once butter has melted add chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.

A silver pan with cooked cut chicken in it with fresh herbs around it and also a silver cup of shredded cheese.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and add the rest of the olive oil and onions and cook until translucent, about 5 or 6 minutes. 

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.

Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, crushed red pepper flakes and cooked chicken pieces. 

A silver pan of uncooked penne pasta with cut tomatoes and spices along with a wooden spoon inside of it and fresh herbs around it.

Stir and bring to a boil. 

Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Stir in half & half and mozzarella cheese.

A silver pan of cooked penne pasta with cut tomatoes and half and half with shredded cheese on top of it along with a wooden spoon inside of it and fresh herbs around it and an empty measuring cup on the side.

Remove from heat and let stand about 10 minutes for sauce to thicken. Enjoy!

FREEZER INSTRUCTIONS

Let cool completely. Pour into disposable pan, cover with foil and place in the freezer.

To heat: Preheat oven to 350˚ and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until heated through.

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of pasta, cheese, tomatoes and spices with a silver fork in it and a spoon on the side of it with fresh herbs around the bowls.

CAN YOU FREEZE GARLIC CHICKEN PASTA?

Freezing this Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is super easy! Just let it cool completely, pour it into the disposable pan, cover with foil, and place in the freezer…that’s it! Now you are ready to tackle any busy weeknight with ease!

To heat, preheat your oven to 350˚ and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until heated through.

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of pasta, cheese, tomatoes and spices with a silver fork in it and a spoon on the side of it with fresh herbs and a white towel around it.

CAN I USE MILK INSTEAD OF HALF & HALF?

With so many wonderful dairy and non-dairy options available, I get lots of questions about dairy substitutions for recipes. As a general rule, the higher the fat content, the richer and thicker the sauce. Cream is richer than whole milk, 2% is richer than skim, etc. 

I encourage everyone to experiment with ingredients that best suits each person’s dietary preferences. Final results may vary, of course. If you happen to use an ingredient such as almond milk, oat milk, etc., please share your results in the comments section below so that your fellow chefs can learn from your experiences.

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of pasta, cheese, tomatoes and spices with a silver fork lifted up with a piece of chicken on it.

CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, and it goes straight from the freezer to the oven. How easy is that? To freeze this meal, let it cool completely, then pour it into the disposable pan, cover tightly with foil, and place in the freezer…that’s it! Don’t forget to label and date your meal. Freeze up to 5 months.

To heat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350˚ and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until heated through.

A silver pan full of pasta, shredded cheese, tomatoes and spices with a wooden spoon in it with fresh basil around the bowls.

IS THIS RECIPE SUPER-GARLICKY?

After tasting and testing this recipe personally, I would say the garlic content is just the right balance of flavor without being overpowering. Taste is subjective, however. Go ahead and adjust the flavors to your liking. Just be careful when improvising with garlic – a little goes a long way!

Some other great recipes with garlic include Garlic Lime Chicken Kabobs and Chicken Scampi.

WHAT VEGGIE SIDE GOES WITH CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN PASTA?

I love thoughtfully planned meals, especially when side dishes complement or contrast with the main course. Parmesan-roasted asparagus is in the same flavor profile, and complements the entrée. A crisp, Italian salad provides a nice contrast to the textures of the garlic chicken pasta. Other great sides include cucumber salad or grilled veggies.

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of pasta, cheese, tomatoes and spices with a silver fork in it spearing chicken and a spoon on the side of it with fresh basil around the bowls.

PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES

For this or any freezer meal, I recommend using a disposable aluminum foil baking pan. It allows you to fill your freezer with delicious meals without holding your favorite baking pans hostage.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and sub-in your favorite pasta. Over the years I’ve served everything from wagon wheels to Halloween shapes to dinosaur-shaped pasta – and my kiddos love it. As my kids (and their appetites) have grown over the years, we’ve found penne to be a good, hearty, and filling pasta that holds sauce extremely well. 

This meal is great served cold, too. I discovered this in my “test kitchen” as I watched my kids (and hubby) return to the fridge throughout the evening armed with a fork for a couple of quick bites of garlic chicken pasta. Make it for your next church picnic or summer potluck.

A white bowl inside a speckled bowl full of garlic chicken pasta with a silver fork in it and a spoon on the side of it with a silver pan full of extra pasta.

WHAT OTHER RECIPES CAN YOU MAKE WITH CHICKEN?

  • Make this delicious Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
  • Bake this Pressure Cooker Cajun Chicken Sausage
  • Prepare this Creamy Hazelnut Chicken Penne Pasta
  • Make this Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
  • Prepare this Seriously Easy Chicken Pot Pie

The next time you make this garlic chicken pasta recipe, I would love to see it! Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #happymoneysaver and tagging me @happymoneysaver!

Recipe Card
5 from 2 votes
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Chicken Garlic Pasta

Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Easy Garlic Chicken Pasta, Garlic Chicken Pasta
Servings 6
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Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
This super-easy garlic chicken pasta is easy to make and big on flavor. Sautéed chicken breast, onions, and garlic combined with penne pasta, tomatoes, spices, and cheese.

Ingredients
 

  • 3 tbsps olive oil divided
  • 1 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 lb raw boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped (white or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
  • 1/2 cup half & half
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat large skillet to medium high heat. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter.
  • Once butter has melted add chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add the rest of the olive oil and onions and cook until translucent, about 5 or 6 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, crushed red pepper flakes and cooked chicken pieces. Stir and bring to a boil.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
  • Stir in half & half and mozzarella cheese.
  • Remove from heat and let stand about 10 minutes for sauce to thicken. Enjoy!

TO FREEZE

  • Let cool completely. Pour into disposable pan, cover with foil and place in the freezer.

TO HEAT

  • Preheat oven to 350˚ and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

  • Use a disposable aluminum foil baking pan to freeze this recipe. It allows you to fill your freezer with delicious meals without holding your favorite baking pans hostage.
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative and sub-in your favorite pasta. 
  • If you like more heat in your meals, don’t add more pepper flakes. Add some cayenne pepper as the chicken broth is heating up.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 691mg | Potassium: 662mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 391IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 2mg

Loved this recipe?

Make sure to follow on Instagram @happymoneysaver and on Pinterest @happymoneysaver for more money savin’ recipes!

This recipe was first posted August 31, 2015, but has been updated with new photos and better detailed instructions on September 1st, 2021.

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posted in: Chicken, Dinner, Family Favorites, Freezer Meals, From Scratch, Frugal Recipes, Pasta, Recipes

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Cheryl says

    December 6, 2022

    5 stars
    I made some substitutions and it was still good! Easy to customize using what you have on hand but I would like to try it as written. Definitely a keeper. Thank you,!

    Reply
    • Happy-Money-Saver says

      December 8, 2022

      So glad you liked it and could customize it for what you had on hand!

      Reply
  2. Tom says

    July 3, 2022

    If I freeze this and reheat it in single serving portions will the reheating time still be 45 minutes or will the lesser amount mean the reheat time will be less?

    Reply
    • Happy-Money-Saver says

      July 13, 2022

      No, it will not take as long to reheat. Depending on how big the servings will determine how long it will take. I would start with 20 minutes and then keep checking it.

      Reply
  3. Kathy Carias says

    June 1, 2022

    I’ve made this twice now. The first time I followed the recipe exactly and it was very good. The second time I added sliced carrots and more cheese and it was even better! Love your recipes!!

    Reply
    • Happy-Money-Saver says

      June 9, 2022

      Oooh I will have to try that! Great suggestion!

      Reply
  4. Shirley says

    October 21, 2021

    My daughter is allergic to whey. Anyone have any ideas on a substitute? I was thinking of coconut milk and using a thickener, maybe cornstarch, and using a hard cheese (less whey), like parmesan. I realize it will change the flavor and texture, parm is much hardier. I’ll try that and see. I’ll let you know.

    Reply
  5. Estelle says

    September 11, 2019

    I always have difficulty cleaning my cast iron skillet. Any quick tips.

    Reply
    • Ryan says

      April 14, 2020

      Pampered chef plastic scrapper, hot water, and just wipe dry with towel.

      Reply
  6. Merribrooke says

    January 2, 2019

    I’m looking for freezer meals that can be heated on the stove? Could I make this, freeze it, thaw it the day before, and then warm up on the stove?

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      January 15, 2019

      Yes, feel free to give that a try! It should work great.

      Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    July 16, 2018

    I have everything but the cream. Can I use milk instead?

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      July 19, 2018

      You can try, but the sauce will not be as rich or thick…but hey, do what you gotta do!!

      Reply
  8. Hhugh209 says

    February 23, 2017

    I’ve got minced garlic in a jar in the fridge-about how many tablespoons of that would equal two cloves?? Please and thanks!

    I absolutely LOVE your recipes! The taquitos are our family’s fave!!

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      February 23, 2017

      Each teaspoon of garlic is 2 cloves so you will need a teaspoon of the minced stuff.

      Reply
  9. Shannon says

    May 24, 2016

    5 stars
    Do you have the nutrition facts for this?

    Reply
  10. Vanessa says

    May 1, 2016

    There is no way it takes 15 minutes to cook cubed chicken. Maybe 5 minutes.

    Reply
  11. Bre says

    February 4, 2016

    How long is this good for in the freezer?

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      February 8, 2016

      Rule of thumb is 4-5 months, then it will start losing some of the flavors.

      Reply
  12. Theresa says

    December 23, 2015

    I am so happy to have come across your website. Your recipe for chicken fingers were a big hit in my house. I look forward to trying many more of your recipes. Thanks.

    Now I have a concern. I feed large crowds at any given moment. Do you think I could double this recipe and freeze it. I thought I could use 2 lbs. of chicken and a whole pound of pasta and just double all the other ingredients. Also, do you think it would effect the recipe if I used dark meat chicken instead of white meat chicken.

    Reply
    • Karrie says

      December 26, 2015

      Yes this recipe is freezable like you mentioned 🙂 – and its up to you if you want to use dark meat chicken. I’m sure it would still taste great!

      Reply
  13. Angie says

    October 4, 2015

    Do you thaw the garlic chicken pasta and then cook? Or into the preheated oven, frozen?

    Reply
    • Happy.MoneySaver says

      October 4, 2015

      No, place the pasta into the oven frozen. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Michelle M says

    September 3, 2015

    I would like to try this recipe, but I am wondering how much onion is used. I don’t see onion listed on the ingredient list. Please help! =)

    Reply
    • Happy.MoneySaver says

      September 5, 2015

      1/2 cup – I fixed the recipe up top! 🙂

      Reply

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