One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a wholesome, creamy comfort dish that won’t have you drowning in a sink full of pots and pans, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s not just quick and easy, but the creamy, cheesy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and tender chicken—total crowd-pleaser every time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find that making Alfredo doesn’t have to be complicated or messy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is that it uses simple, classic ingredients that balance perfectly to create rich and creamy flavor. You won’t need anything fancy, and most of these you might already have in your pantry and fridge!

• Chicken Breast: I like to cut it horizontally so it cooks evenly and fast, plus it stays juicy when you sear it properly.
• Olive Oil: This is your cooking base; a good quality olive oil adds subtle flavor and helps get that golden crust on your chicken.
• Fettuccine: This pasta picks up the sauce beautifully. You could use spaghetti or linguine if you prefer, but fettuccine is classic.
• Milk: I prefer regular whole milk for creaminess, but you can use any fat percentage you have on hand.
• Chicken Stock/Broth: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce—homemade is great but a good store-bought option works just fine.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce that warm aromatic punch you expect from Alfredo.
• Heavy Cream (or thickened cream): This is where the sauce gets its luxe richness, but I’ve made this recipe with lighter cream and it still works well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key here because it melts smoothly—store-bought pre-grated can be grainy and less creamy.
• Parsley: Just a sprinkle for a fresh color pop and slight herbal brightness at the end.

Variations

I love how versatile this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is. You can tweak it based on what you have in the fridge or your dietary preferences without losing any of its charm. Play around and make it your own!

• Veggie Boost: I often throw in some spinach or peas towards the end for a pop of color and freshness—it blends beautifully without overpowering the creamy sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce transforms this into a spicy creamy delight. My family goes crazy for this twist.
• Swap Chicken: Try tender shrimp or even diced pancetta for different protein profiles while keeping the creamy pasta vibe.
• Dairy-Free:  Use unsweetened almond milk and a dairy-free cream alternative. While not quite as rich, it’s still tasty and totally doable.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First up, season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 2 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. This quick sear locks juices in and makes the chicken taste fantastic. Remove it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes—this really helps keep the meat tender and juicy later when you slice it.

Step 2: Start the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Into that same skillet, don’t wipe it out—the little brown bits stuck in there add serious flavor! Pour in the milk, chicken stock, and minced garlic. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then add your dry fettuccine. Now comes the trick: move the pasta around every 30 seconds to prevent sticking. It will soften in about 3 minutes. Once it starts to soften, reduce the heat to medium and stir every couple of minutes—this patience pays off with perfect pasta.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Combine

When your pasta is nearly cooked—usually around 9 to 10 minutes—you’ll still see some liquid at the bottom of the skillet. Now stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta beautifully. If the sauce gets too thick or “gluggy,” add a quick splash of hot water and toss—it’ll loosen right back up to that silky texture you want.

Step 4: Slice Chicken and Serve

Remember that juicy chicken you let rest? Slice it thinly while the pasta finishes cooking. Gently fold the chicken slices into the Alfredo, taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it immediately garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my plate with a generous sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan and parsley for a fresh pop of color. Sometimes I like shaking a bit of cracked black pepper on top for an extra layer of flavor—it just brightens up the creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I keep it simple—a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another favorite for mopping up that irresistible Alfredo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When it’s a special occasion, I like to serve this in individual shallow bowls, drizzling a little truffle oil over the top for a gourmet twist. You can also add a few sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side for extra color and flavor wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the chicken slices from the pasta if possible, as it keeps the texture better when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with decent results, though the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly. To freeze, cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaves can work in a pinch, but stirring occasionally during heating helps keep the sauce silky and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has saved me on nights when I want a delicious dinner without the fuss. It’s creamy, comforting, and comes together surprisingly fast—all in one pan! Whether you’re feeding the family or craving a cozy solo meal, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a whirl; I’m confident you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.

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