When you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, Obiad Marcina Singla is the perfect choice. This easy and satisfying creamy chicken pasta is made with tender pieces of chicken, garlic, colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It is designed as a simple single-serving meal, but the recipe can easily be doubled for two people or expanded for the whole family.
The Polish phrase “obiad dla singla” means “a meal for a single person.” Quick, practical meals for one often focus on simple ingredients, minimal preparation, and avoiding food waste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfectly portioned for one person
- Creamy, rich, and comforting
- Made with simple everyday ingredients
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
- Great for lunch or dinner
- No complicated cooking techniques required
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1 generous serving
Cuisine: Polish-inspired comfort food
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 4 ounces pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle
- Water for boiling
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Chicken
- 5 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¼ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
How to Make Obiad Marcina Singla
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the outside and fully cooked in the center.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the same skillet. Stir in the onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
Add the mushrooms and bell pepper. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir continuously so the garlic does not burn.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the flavorful browned bits.
Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to a warm bowl.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Expert Cooking Tips
Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce without becoming soft.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Add the garlic near the end of cooking the vegetables because garlic can become bitter if it burns.
For a lighter sauce, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or cooking cream.
Delicious Variations
Mushroom and Spinach Version
Add a handful of fresh spinach during the final minute of cooking. Stir until wilted.
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or sliced fresh chili.
Bacon Version
Cook two slices of chopped bacon before cooking the chicken. Remove the bacon, prepare the recipe, and add it back before serving.
Tomato Cream Version
Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or ¼ cup tomato sauce to the cream mixture.
Vegetarian Version
Leave out the chicken and add extra mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli.
What to Serve With It
This creamy pasta is filling enough to enjoy on its own. For a complete meal, serve it with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Warm crusty bread
Storage Instructions
Because this recipe is designed for one person, it is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.