Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines creamy, crispy, and savory elements in one balanced bowl. It is filling, comforting, and visually appealing while still being straightforward to prepare at home.
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken & Crispy Potato Pasta Bowl: Cozy Comfort with Bold Flavor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting bowl featuring tender garlic herb chicken, creamy pasta, and crispy roasted potatoes all tossed together for a hearty, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 lb baby potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for potatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve pasta in bowls topped with crispy roasted potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cut potatoes evenly for best crispiness.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting & Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast provides lean protein and absorbs the garlic herb seasoning beautifully while staying tender when cooked properly.
Potatoes add heartiness and texture. When roasted or pan-fried, they become crispy on the outside and soft inside, creating contrast in the bowl.
Pasta forms the creamy base of the dish, holding the sauce well and tying all components together.
Olive oil helps cook both the chicken and potatoes evenly while enhancing flavor.
Butter adds richness and forms the base of the creamy garlic sauce.
Garlic brings bold aroma and depth, defining the character of the dish.
Heavy cream creates the smooth, velvety texture of the sauce.
Milk helps balance the sauce and prevents it from becoming too thick.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, savory depth and naturally thickens the sauce.
Italian herbs such as oregano and thyme provide warmth and aromatic balance.
Salt enhances all flavors and brings the dish together.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and contrast.
Fresh parsley adds freshness and brightness at the end.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and preparing the potatoes. Cut them into small cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and roast until golden and crisp, turning once for even browning. While the potatoes cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then remove and slice. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, allowing it to simmer gently. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, adjusting consistency if needed. Assemble the bowls by layering pasta, sliced chicken, and crispy potatoes. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes. Total time is roughly 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce. For best texture, reheat potatoes separately if possible.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy garlic chicken bowl
Add chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce for heat.
Vegetable-loaded version
Include spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added balance.
Cheese-forward style
Add mozzarella or extra Parmesan for richer flavor.
Protein swap option
Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey.
Lightened sauce option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce well.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they add extra juiciness and flavor.
Will the potatoes stay crispy?
They are best fresh but still enjoyable when reheated.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, though texture is best when freshly assembled.
Is this dish very heavy?
It is rich but balanced by portioning and add-ins.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, baked chicken works well in this bowl.
What herbs pair best?
Thyme, oregano, and parsley work beautifully.
Can I add bacon?
Yes, crispy bacon adds extra savory depth.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale ingredients and cook in batches.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken & Crispy Potato Pasta Bowl is a deeply comforting, well-balanced meal that brings together rich sauce, tender chicken, and crispy potatoes in one satisfying dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is a reliable recipe that delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite.
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