Easy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe: Creamy Family Favorite

Creamy and comforting chicken alfredo pasta brings together simplicity and deliciousness in one magical skillet.

This crowd-pleasing dish eliminates multiple pots and endless cleanup hassles.

Weeknight dinner challenges disappear when you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Rich parmesan cheese melts into tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating an irresistible combination.

Mediterranean herbs and a splash of garlic elevate every single bite with incredible depth.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Grab your favorite large pan and let’s make dinner happen in record time!

Common Questions About One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works great, you can swap in penne, linguine, or rotini depending on what you have in your pantry. Just keep the cooking time similar for best results.

• Is it okay to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, that’s a perfect shortcut! Simply shred or dice the rotisserie chicken and add it in the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through without overcooking.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Try adding some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase the nutritional value. These can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking and will blend beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

• What if I want to make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese, or use a lighter cream cheese to create a less rich version of the Alfredo sauce while still maintaining great flavor.

Why One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Is Creamy And Convenient

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: This one-pot chicken Alfredo pasta delivers creamy, delicious dinner magic in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hassle-free meal without multiple dishes to clean.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins like shredded rotisserie chicken or add vegetables such as spinach or broccoli to make the recipe uniquely yours, adapting to dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Beginners can confidently create a restaurant-style dish using basic cooking skills, with clear steps that transform simple ingredients into a professional-looking meal without complicated culinary techniques.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: By using just one pot, this recipe dramatically reduces kitchen mess, saving precious time on dishwashing and allowing more moments to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with loved ones.

Ingredients For One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and tender texture.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for searing chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor, extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice blend that enhances chicken's natural flavors, helps create a golden and well-seasoned exterior.

• Large Deep Skillet or Pot: Essential for creating a one-pot meal, allows space for searing chicken and later combining all ingredients seamlessly.

Simple Steps To Cook One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Butter

Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its incredible aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Milk

Stir the liquids together, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the delicious browned bits from the chicken.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the liquid. Stir to ensure all pasta is submerged. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

• Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese

Mix until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxuriously smooth sauce.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold it into the creamy pasta, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is gloriously creamy.

Tips For Rich And Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Seal in Flavor: Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious moisture and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.
• Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat without drying out.
• Boost Seasoning Power: Customize Italian seasoning by mixing your own blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for a more personalized and vibrant taste profile.
• Quick Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and keep the dish versatile.
• Pan Performance: Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning, ensuring consistent cooking and beautiful golden results.

How To Store One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate leftover One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors fresh and delicious.
• Ensure the dish cools completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its creamy texture.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's silky consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for maximum convenience, lasting up to 2 months – perfect for quick future meals that taste just as amazing as the first serving.

Best Foods To Serve With One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Boost Wine Pairing: Crisp chardonnay or pinot grigio perfectly complements the creamy alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright acidity and light fruit notes.
• Match Fresh Side Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's rich, creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Elevate Bread Selection: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up the delicious alfredo sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic flavor to the dish.
• Enhance Vegetable Companion: Roast some green asparagus or sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil, which will add a slightly bitter, green element to cut through the pasta's creaminess and provide nutritional balance.

Tasty Ways To Change Up One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops, creating a luxurious maritime version of the classic Alfredo pasta. Quickly sear seafood until pink and opaque for a delicate protein alternative.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté the veggies in olive oil until caramelized and tender, adding a hearty plant-based dimension to the creamy dish.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use chili-seasoned chicken, and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern transformation that brings bold flavors to the traditional recipe.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Infuse the dish with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano during cooking. Chop herbs finely and mix into the sauce, creating a vibrant, aromatic version that elevates the classic Alfredo with garden-fresh brightness.

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one pot chicken alfredo pasta delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Liquids:

• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal environment for searing poultry.
2. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan, ensuring an even coating of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Allow chicken to develop a rich, golden exterior, transforming its surface while cooking thoroughly for approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving its warmth and succulence for later incorporation.
5. In the same skillet, leverage the remaining flavorful fond and residual oils to enhance the forthcoming sauce’s depth.
6. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
7. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking consistently to create a smooth, luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce.
8. Gradually sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, continuously stirring to ensure seamless integration and prevent clumping.
9. Add uncooked pasta directly into the creamy liquid, submerging each strand to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
10. Cover the skillet and allow the pasta to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking.
11. Once pasta reaches an al dente consistency, reintroduce the seared chicken, gently folding it into the creamy mixture.
12. Finish the dish with a final garnish of chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even searing and prevent tough meat.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping achieve a golden-brown crust and preventing steaming.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or swap with thighs for a more flavorful and tender result.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 717
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 575 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 189 mg