One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving creamy comfort food but want to keep cleanup to a minimum, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this dish comes together in just one pan, delivering tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, silky Alfredo sauce without juggling multiple pots and pans. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple yet indulgent it felt — and bonus, the whole family goes crazy for it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend fresh parmesan over pre-grated for the creamiest sauce and chicken breasts that are evenly cut for consistent cooking.

• Chicken breast: I like cutting mine in half horizontally — thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken upfront and adjusting the sauce at the end.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality one for browning the chicken without adding unwanted flavors.
• Fettuccine: This wide pasta holds the sauce well; just be sure to stir frequently so it doesn’t clump.
• Milk (any fat %): I usually use whole milk for creaminess, but low-fat works fine too if you want a lighter dish.
• Chicken stock/broth: A flavorful base; I’ve found that clearer broths give a prettier, cleaner sauce.
• Garlic clove: Fresh and minced — it adds just the right savory kick without overpowering.
• Heavy cream (or thickened cream): This is what gives your sauce that velvety finish.
• Freshly grated parmesan: Fresh is key here — it melts beautifully and boosts flavor in a way pre-grated can’t match.
• Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens the rich dish when served.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap the chicken for shrimp, or lighten it up for a weeknight meal, the recipe is super adaptable.

• Swap chicken for shrimp: I’ve made this with shrimp instead, cooking them just until they turn pink — it’s a great way to switch things up with minimal extra effort.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and toss in mushrooms or steamed broccoli — the creamy sauce pairs so well with veggies.
• Use light cream or half-and-half: I discovered this trick when trying to cut calories but still keep sauce creamy enough to satisfy.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle flavor boost I like to sneak in when I want a little extra warmth.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by sprinkling both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat — I always use the biggest one I have to fit the pasta later. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; if needed, sear in batches. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes — resting keeps it juicy! You’ll slice it after the pasta is almost ready.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Add the Pasta

Pour in milk, chicken broth, and your minced garlic to the same skillet. Bring this mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken—it adds fantastic flavor. Then, add your fettuccine. Now, here’s the trick: stir or toss the pasta every 30 seconds or so for about 3 minutes to keep it from sticking. You’ll notice the pasta softening as it absorbs the liquid.

Step 3: Simmer Until Almost Tender

Once the pasta has softened but isn’t fully cooked (around 9-10 minutes in), reduce the heat to medium. Stir every couple of minutes while the pasta finishes absorbing liquid. The sauce should still have a slight layer of broth at the bottom — this is what makes the sauce silky and helps with tossing everything together later.

Step 4: Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Chicken

Add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan to the pan, stirring gently but continuously so that the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Slice your rested chicken and stir it back into the pasta. Let everything simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta feels perfectly tender.

If you ever find the sauce getting too thick or gluggy, don’t worry — I learned the hard way that adding a little splash of hot water can fix it right up and bring it back to a silky consistency.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that really brightens the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Sometimes I’ll toast some garlic bread to mop up that luscious sauce—it’s always a hit with guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serving this pasta in shallow bowls with a small sprig of parsley on top makes it feel restaurant-worthy. I’ve even tried plating the chicken slices fanned out over the pasta for a nice visual effect that impresses family without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so if it looks stiff when you reheat, just stir in a splash of milk or water to bring it back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for this recipe. Just portion it out, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture might shift a bit, so reheating gently on the stove with a splash of milk helps restore creaminess.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to reintroduce some moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but be sure to stir halfway through and add a little cream or milk to keep that silky sauce intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I always return to when I want something comforting, quick, and downright delicious without the hassle. I love how the chicken stays juicy and the sauce manages to be indulgent yet manageable, all in one skillet. If you’re like me and hate a pile of dishes after a long day, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that perfect creamy, cheesy goodness!

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