Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Effortless One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe For Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions like this one pot chicken alfredo pasta that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Pasta lovers rejoice at the magic of combining tender chicken, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles in a single pan.

The creamy, cheesy sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Parmesan and cream blend into a luxurious coating that transforms ordinary ingredients into something special.

Each bite promises comfort and satisfaction without hours of complicated preparation.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, from stovetop to table in less than 30 minutes.

This recipe turns an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Ingredient Must-Haves

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Select boneless, skinless cuts for tender, lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully and cooks quickly.
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden sear on chicken while adding rich, subtle flavor and preventing sticking.
For Seasoning:
  • Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps create perfect golden crust.
  • Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertone that complements chicken's mild taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to infuse Mediterranean warmth and complexity.
For Cooking Base:
  • Large Skillet or Pot: Provides spacious surface for even chicken searing and allows seamless transition to one-pot cooking style.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 670 kcal

Servings: 5

Tools That Help With One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

  • Large Deep Skillet or Pot: Essential for searing chicken and cooking the entire dish in one pan.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping and moving chicken pieces while cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and slicing chicken before cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps cut chicken into even, bite-sized pieces.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients like cream and cheese.

How To Cook One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Smoothly

  • Brown Chicken Chunks

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until golden and fully done, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

  • Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, drop butter and add minced garlic. Stir quickly to prevent burning, allowing garlic to release its fragrant essence for about 30 seconds.

  • Build Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

  • Cook Pasta

Drop pasta directly into the sauce, stirring gently to coat every strand. Let it simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich, creamy liquid. Cook until pasta reaches desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.

  • Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, ensuring chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the luxurious alfredo sauce. Let sit for a minute to meld flavors.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the one-pot wonder into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan if desired. Dive into this comforting, creamy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Tips To Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Extra Creamy

  • Seasoning Swap: Experiment with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or Cajun seasoning to give the dish a unique flavor profile.
  • Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a versatile meal that suits various dietary preferences.
  • Creamy Consistency Trick: Add a splash of pasta water before mixing in the Alfredo sauce to help create a silky, smooth texture that clings perfectly to the noodles.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and add colorful, fresh elements.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and swap regular flour for cornstarch when thickening the sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.

Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta For Dinner Nights

  • Creamy Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this chicken alfredo pasta as the star of your family meal, plated with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Elegant Side Companions: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic bread to complement the rich, creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded dinner experience.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose extra portions by turning them into a delightful cold pasta salad the next day, adding some cherry tomatoes and extra herbs for a refreshing twist.
  • Gourmet Garnish Party: Top individual servings with extra grated parmesan, crispy bacon bits, or toasted pine nuts to add texture and elevate the dish's flavor profile.

How To Store One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta With Ease

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and chicken separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freshness Window: Consume refrigerated One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta within 3-4 days for best taste and quality, ensuring safe and delicious reheating.
  • Freezing Technique: Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm leftovers on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk or chicken broth to revive the sauce's smooth, silky texture without drying out the pasta or chicken.
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
Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

One-pot chicken alfredo pasta brings creamy comfort to weeknight dinners. Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (226 g) fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Add seasoned chicken pieces, cooking until golden and thoroughly done, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Develop Sauce Foundation: Utilize the skillet’s remaining fond, reduce heat to medium, and introduce minced garlic. Swiftly stir to prevent burning and release aromatic notes.
  3. Create Creamy Base: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to generate a smooth sauce. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
  4. Cook Pasta: Submerge uncooked pasta directly into the creamy liquid, ensuring complete coverage. Cover and simmer, stirring periodically to prevent adherence and promote uniform cooking.
  5. Finalize Dish: Once pasta reaches al dente texture, reintegrate seared chicken into the creamy mixture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an additional Parmesan cheese sprinkle for enhanced flavor and visual elegance.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Use fresh herbs and high-quality Italian seasoning blend for deeper flavor profile, ensuring each chicken piece gets maximum taste absorption.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Maintain medium-low heat when adding cheese to prevent breaking or curdling, whisking continuously creates smooth, silky Alfredo consistency.
  • Pasta Cooking Technique: Choose short pasta varieties like penne or rotini for better sauce coverage and easier one-pot cooking experience, avoiding long noodles that complicate stirring.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant preferences, maintaining creamy texture while offering alternative dietary options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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