One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Families

Have you ever dreamed about a creamy one pot chicken alfredo pasta that simplifies weeknight cooking?

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful dish packed with rich flavors.

Cheesy and hearty, this recipe cuts down kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum satisfaction.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Tender chicken and silky sauce create a perfect harmony that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Weeknight dinner challenges disappear when you master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Tips That Boost Flavor in Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in juicy flavors.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta frequently during cooking and ensure enough liquid covers the pasta completely to avoid clumping or burning.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Romano, asiago, or fontina for a unique and rich flavor profile.
• Quick Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Add spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking to increase vegetable intake and enhance overall meal nutrition.

How to Store and Warm Alfredo Without Separation

• Transfer leftover One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Spread pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Drizzle with additional cream or broth. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Side Ideas for Chicken Alfredo Meals

• Crisp white wine cuts through the creamy richness of chicken alfredo, balancing the dish's heavy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Light, tangy salad provides a fresh contrast to the pasta's decadent, cheesy sauce, adding crisp vegetable crunch and cleansing the palate.
• Toasted, buttery bread complements the alfredo's creamy flavor, offering a perfect dipping tool to soak up extra sauce and enhance the meal's indulgent experience.
• Slightly charred, herbal vegetable side brings a sophisticated green element that lightens the pasta's richness while adding nutritional balance.

New Takes on One Pot Alfredo Pasta

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or fettuccine made from rice or chickpea flour. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a creamy texture.
• Veggie Power Boost: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled tofu. Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. Choose grilled chicken breast and reduce sauce quantity for a lighter meal.

FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute the pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to maintain the recipe’s one-pot simplicity.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

While challenging, you can try using dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. The texture and flavor will be different but still tasty.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Try adding spinach, broccoli, or sliced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. These vegetables will blend nicely with the creamy sauce and add extra nutrition.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Absolutely! Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces before cooking. Just ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking and season them the same way as the recipe suggests.

What Makes This One Pot Chicken Alfredo So Convenient

• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal cooking techniques and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken creates an instantly satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
• Easily customizable by adding vegetables or swapping protein, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients List for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Chicken: Protein base for the dish, tender and flavorful meat that adds substance to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich, creamy cheese for depth of flavor and silky texture.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium for sautéing chicken with smooth, light flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall savory profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, thick sauce with classic Alfredo consistency.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer for entire dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity and traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense, sharp flavor to the sauce.

• Uncooked Pasta: Absorbs liquid and creates one-pot meal with creamy texture.

How to Cook Chicken Alfredo All in One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
• Add chicken pieces
• Season with
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Cook until golden and fully done, around 5-7 minutes
• Toss in minced garlic
• Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant

Step 2: Create Liquid Base

• Pour in chicken broth
• Add heavy cream
• Stir ingredients together
• Add uncooked pasta
• Ensure pasta is completely covered in liquid

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

• Bring mixture to a boil
• Reduce heat to gentle simmer
• Cook for 10-12 minutes
• Stir occasionally to prevent pasta sticking
• Check pasta for tenderness
• Allow sauce to thicken naturally

Step 4: Elevate with Cheese

• Mix in butter
• Add Parmesan cheese
• Include mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Stir until sauce becomes creamy and smooth
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer to serving dishes
• Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan (optional)

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens with minimal cleanup. Parmesan-kissed noodles and tender chicken create a quick weeknight dinner that will satisfy hungry families in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Main Dairy Products:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth (low sodium)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot or deep skillet, warming olive oil over medium-high temperature for optimal heat distribution.
2. Introduce chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, cooking until a golden exterior develops and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing aromatic compounds to release and infuse the protein with delectable flavor profiles.
4. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the pan, creating a luxurious foundational liquid for pasta cooking.
5. Gently submerge uncooked pasta within the creamy mixture, ensuring complete liquid coverage for uniform cooking.
6. Elevate heat to generate a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer to prevent excessive liquid evaporation.
7. Allow pasta to cook, periodically stirring to prevent adherence to cooking vessel, until noodles reach tender consistency and sauce transforms into a velvety texture.
8. Introduce butter, creating additional richness and smooth consistency.
9. Fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until sauce achieves a silky, uniform appearance.
10. Perform final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal taste preferences.
11. Let mixture rest momentarily to allow sauce to further thicken and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniform cooking and easier cutting into bite-sized pieces.
• Select short pasta like penne or rotini to help capture the creamy sauce better and ensure even cooking.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg