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One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving creamy, comforting pasta but want to keep things simple and quick, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe might just become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and pasta all in one pot—making cleanup a breeze and dinner a total crowd-pleaser. Stick around and I’ll walk you through every step of making this fan-freaking-tastic meal that gets better every time I make it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Because who has time for multiple pots and pans? This recipe keeps things simple and mess-free.
  • Creamy and Delicious: The sauce is rich without being heavy, thanks to the blend of milk, cream, and parmesan.
  • Juicy, Golden Chicken: Cooking the chicken separately ensures every bite is tender and perfectly browned.
  • Quick Dinner Fix: Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a creamy, savory meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly quick and straightforward to make. When shopping, pick fresh parmesan for the best melt and flavor, and any milk or cream you prefer works great here.

Flat lay of a freshly sliced raw chicken breast with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, uncooked fettuccine pasta neatly arranged, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, another white bowl containing clear chicken stock, a peeled large garlic clove finely minced beside it, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a few vibrant green sprigs of parsley, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - One Pot Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Easy Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, 30-Minute Pasta Dinner
  • Chicken Breast: I like cutting it thin for quick cooking and easy slicing later.
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the chicken’s flavor.
  • Olive Oil: For that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
  • Fettuccine: The wide noodles hold onto the sauce so well; you could try other pasta shapes too.
  • Milk: Any fat percentage works; I usually grab 2% for creamy but light results.
  • Chicken Stock/Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce—Campbell’s is a favorite of mine.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh is best for that punch of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: This ups the creaminess, but light cream or even more milk will work in a pinch.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts seamlessly and makes all the difference here.
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish—don’t skip it!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is super adaptable—you can shake it up depending on what you like or what’s in your fridge. Play around, and it might just become your family’s favorite comfort food.

  • Swap the Chicken for Shrimp: I once tried shrimp instead, and it was a total hit—just cook the shrimp quickly in the pan for a seafood twist.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and add mushrooms or broccoli for a veggie-packed version that’s just as satisfying.
  • Use Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve tested this with gluten-free fettuccine, and it works great—just keep an eye on the cooking time.
  • Add More Veggies: Spinach or peas stirred in at the end add a lovely pop of color and nutrition.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First, generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. I like cutting the breasts horizontally so they’re thinner—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this step! Getting that beautiful golden crust is what really makes the chicken pop in the dish. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—it keeps the juices locked in.

Step 2: Simmer the Pasta in Sauce Base

Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan), add the milk, chicken stock, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer, which only takes a couple of minutes. Now toss in the fettuccine. Here’s where patience pays off: move the pasta every 30 seconds or so for about 3 minutes to prevent sticking. You’ll see it start to soften a bit—that’s your cue to reduce the heat to medium and give a stir every few minutes.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Parmesan, and Chicken

At around 9 to 10 minutes, the pasta should be nearly cooked but still swimming in some sauce—exactly how it should be. Now add the heavy cream and fresh parmesan, stirring vigorously to combine. It’s magic watching the sauce thicken and turn silky smooth as it finishes cooking. Slice your rested chicken and toss it back in to warm through. Be careful not to overcook here: if the sauce tightens up too much, don’t panic—just splash in a little hot water, stir, and it’ll loosen right back up.

Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Before plating, taste your pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The parmesan adds saltiness, so go easy at first! Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh parsley on top. I honestly love watching my family dig into this—the smiles say it all.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: Letting it rest keeps it juicy and makes slicing easier, giving you that perfect bite every time.
  • Keep an Eye on Pasta Texture: I always aim for al dente but if you like it softer, add a splash more hot water and cook a bit longer.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts more smoothly; store-bought shredded parmesan doesn’t cream up as nicely.
  • Avoid Overcooking the Sauce: Take it off while it’s still saucy—the sauce reduces quickly as you serve, so better to err on saucier than dry.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top mine with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful pop. Sometimes, I even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost. These little touches make the dish feel special without much extra effort.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs so well with simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. If you want to amp up the veggie factor, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are easy options that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. I’ve also used mini cast iron skillets for a rustic vibe that everyone loved—plus, it keeps the pasta warm longer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools slightly before sealing to keep the sauce from getting watery. When I reheat, it still tastes fresh and creamy if done right.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, but I recommend freezing without the cream and parmesan, then adding them fresh when reheating. This keeps the sauce from breaking and tasting grainy after thawing. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but watch closely and stir every 30 seconds to prevent drying out. A quick toss with fresh parmesan after warming helps revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pasta for this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

    Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo because it holds sauce well, you can swap in penne, linguine, or even rigatoni. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary depending on the pasta shape and size—always test a strand for doneness before finishing.

  2. Is it okay to use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

    Yes, it works fine, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. I’ve found that using light cream or more milk still yields a tasty dish, but if you want that indulgent Alfredo texture, heavy cream is the best choice.

  3. How can I keep the chicken juicy and tender?

    Cooking the chicken separately and slicing it after resting is key. This method ensures a nice golden sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Also, don’t overcook the chicken—it’s done when the juices run clear.

  4. What if my sauce becomes too thick or gluggy?

    No worries! Simply add a splash of hot water and stir to loosen it up. Alfredo sauce can thicken quickly, especially as it cools, so adjusting with hot water helps keep it silky smooth.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s the perfect balance of creamy comfort and fuss-free cooking. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a hectic evening but impress your family or friends with every single time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back for that rich sauce, juicy chicken, and the pure satisfaction of a one-pot wonder. Give it a go—I can already tell you’re going to love it!

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One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 57 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a creamy, comforting meal made with tender chicken breast cooked to golden perfection, combined with fettuccine pasta simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce made from milk, chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. It’s a quick, one-skillet dish that delivers delicious restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 200 g / 7 oz chicken breast, cut in half horizontally
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta and Sauce

  • 250 g / 8 oz fettuccine
  • 2 cups milk (any fat %)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock / broth
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 cup thickened / heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor during cooking.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken onto a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing while you cook the pasta.
  3. Prepare Sauce Base and Pasta: In the same skillet, add 2 cups of milk, 1.5 cups chicken broth, and the minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the fettuccine pasta and stir every 30 seconds to prevent sticking as it softens over about 3 minutes.
  4. Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium. Continue to stir the pasta every couple of minutes for about 6-7 minutes until pasta is almost cooked but still has liquid covering the base of the skillet.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese to the pasta. Mix well to combine and continue to simmer the sauce for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the pasta is cooked to your preferred tenderness. If the sauce becomes too thick or clumpy, add a splash of hot water to achieve a silky consistency.
  6. Finish and Serve: Slice the rested chicken breast and return it to the skillet or serve it on top of the pasta. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan before serving immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe works well with any type of cream, including light cream; richer creams produce a more decadent sauce.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts better and results in a smoother sauce than pre-grated store-bought parmesan.
  • Remove the skillet from heat while the sauce is still saucy as the sauce thickens quickly when off heat.
  • Cooking the chicken separately allows for juicier, beautifully browned chicken pieces.
  • If brown bits stick to your pan, scrape them off for a cleaner white sauce appearance.
  • The quality and clarity of chicken stock affect the whiteness of your sauce; use clear brands like Campbell’s for best results.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of hot water to loosen it back to a silky texture.
  • To achieve al dente pasta, keep an eye on cooking times and add hot water if pasta needs more time to cook without drying the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/3 of recipe)
  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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