One Pot Creamy Garlic Noodles

These one pot creamy garlic noodles are a HUGE hit with my whole family. We make them at least once a month with all sorts of variations. My kids are crazy about it and request it all the time (and I am happy to oblige because it’s SO easy)! These noodles don’t use heavy cream or large amounts of butter, but it tastes JUST as good as recipes that do. Cooking the noodles in the chicken broth and milk is like magic. The recipe starts with UNcooked noodles so no draining, and only ONE POT to clean! A total win-win.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Noodles

This yummy pasta dish has a very fettucine alfredo texture and flavor, without all the heavy whipping cream. Here’s what you need:

Butter – just a few tablespoons, divided. Garlic – four or five cloves, minced. For a stronger garlic flavor you can even use a dash of garlic powder or garlic salt in the sauce mixture. Chicken broth – about 28 ounces or just under four cups. Milk – Start with two and a half cups and add more if needed to thin out the sauce. Linguini – Cook pasta until al dente, or with a little bite to it, before adding to the sauce. You can use any cooked pasta you like for this dish: penne pasta, spaghetti noodles fettucine, anything you have on hand. Seasonings – all you need is some salt and pepper and a little bit of basil, fresh or dried Parmesan cheese – I like using fresh grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), you can also use the powdered kind if that’s what you have on hand. Broccoli (optional)- about four cups. This is totally optional, and you can add other veggies too! Chicken breasts (optional) – two chicken breasts, grilled and cut into strips You can also cook the chicken directly in the pot. See below for more instructions.

Best Noodles to Use

For this garlic noodles recipe, we like to use linguini noodles. They are thick enough to absorb the sauce without getting too heavy. You could also use spaghetti noodles, fettuccini noodles, or even egg noodles. Bowtie pasta or rotini would be fun to try as well. Try to avoid anything thinner than regular spaghetti, like thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta. The noodles will cook way too fast and then get clumpy. No matter what noodle you use, keep checking it until it’s cooked through. You can’t really go by package directions because it is being simmered at a lower heat.

Add Chicken for a Full Meal

To make this a full meal, just add a little chicken. I love adding grilled chicken but you can add baked, shredded, or pan-fried. To keep it a true “one pot” meal, pan frying the chicken is the way to go.

Adding Vegetables

If you want to add vegetables, toss them in 10 minutes or so before serving. You can add veggies like broccoli, peas, asparagus, red peppers, sliced zucchini, etc. You can make these noodles as a full meal or as an easy side dish — totally up to you!

More Add-In Possibilities

This versatile dish can be switched up a million different ways, with just the tweak of a couple ingredients. Try adding some of these next time you need an easy side dish or main course:

Cooked garlic shrimp (I like using the garlic shrimp from this recipe) Grilled Rotisserie Chicken Smoked sausage Cooked bacon Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil Peas Sautéed mushrooms Fresh spinach Roasted vegetables Lemon zest (if you love lemon flavored noodles try our delicious lemon infused noodles recipe!) Onions – add sautéed onion or green onion for garnish

Tips For Making Garlic Noodles

Keep it to a simmer – If you cook these on too high of a heat, the noodles will cook too fast and won’t absorb the liquid as well. Add liquid – If you noodles look like they are getting too thick, just keep adding a splash or milk of broth to keep the consistency. Add other flavors – Boost the flavor by adding Cajun seasoning, oregano, Italian seasoning, or lemon pepper. Reheating leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk a little at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

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