One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Pasta and Liquids:

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  2. Add the uncooked pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  2. 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:

  1. Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella (if using) until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  2. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:

  1. 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!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: clara
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Add Liquids and Pasta:
    • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
    • Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star