Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls with Pasta, Quinoa, and Avocado Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 lb pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well); 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice; 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 avocado, diced; Lime wedges, for serving

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 lb pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 avocado, diced

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and Rotel. Stir well to combine.

Step 6: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Stir cooked chicken back into the sauce and heat through for a couple of minutes.

Step 9: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.

Step 10: To assemble bowls, start with a base of cooked quinoa or rice.

Step 11: Top the grain with cooked pasta.

Step 12: Spoon creamy garlic chicken sauce over the pasta and quinoa or rice.

Step 13: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 14: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to save time; add it toward the end to warm through.

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative with a subtle coconut flavor.

Add more fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different fresh flavor profile.

For extra veggies, stir in spinach or bell peppers when cooking the onions.

Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables to lighten the dish.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then reheat everything when ready to serve. It’s best to wait to combine with pasta and fresh toppings until just before serving to maintain texture.

What pasta works best with this creamy garlic chicken sauce?

Penne, rotini, and farfalle are great choices as their shapes hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use your preferred pasta type or substitute with cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier base.