One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce—all cooked together in one pot! This easy recipe delivers a classic Italian favorite without the hassle of multiple dishes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a deliciously cheesy, garlic-infused pasta dinner in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup
- Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep time
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
- Family-friendly and customizable with different add-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Pasta and Liquids:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Make It Cheesy:
- Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella (if using) until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the creamy chicken Alfredo pasta hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use different pasta: Try this recipe with penne, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.
- Seafood Alfredo: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the sauce.
- Freeze: This dish is best served fresh as the cream sauce may separate when frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, use cooked rotisserie chicken and add it after the pasta is cooked to avoid overcooking.
2. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a bit more chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
4. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks in the sauce to prevent clumping.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
6. What cheeses work best in Alfredo sauce?
Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella, Romano, or Asiago cheeses also work well.
7. How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
8. Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Yes, sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for added flavor.
9. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
10. What sides go well with Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Alfredo without the hassle of multiple dishes. This family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort!
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One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Made with tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and pasta cooked to perfection in a velvety Alfredo sauce—all in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same pot, add butter and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Pasta:
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot.
- Stir to ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Chicken and Cheese:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add more broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- For Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or broccoli when adding the chicken back into the pot.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.