Craving classic comfort food that truly satisfies? Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce all coming together in one incredible dish. This one-pot creamy chicken alfredo pasta delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a silky sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta, all prepared with the convenience of just one skillet and minimal cleanup. It’s truly a weeknight dinner dream!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This recipe for creamy chicken alfredo pasta is a weeknight lifesaver you will truly adore.
- Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: You can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Minimal Dirty Dishes: Everything cooks in one large skillet, significantly cutting down on post-dinner cleanup.
- Rich, Velvety, and Delicious Sauce: The sauce is incredibly creamy and full of flavor, coating every strand of pasta beautifully.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: Searing the chicken separately ensures it stays moist and flavorful, adding a wonderful texture to the dish.
- A Family-Favorite Crowd-Pleaser: This classic dish is loved by adults and children alike, guaranteeing clean plates all around.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need a few simple ingredients to create an impressive and incredibly satisfying meal.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g chicken breast cut in half horizontally
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 250 g fettuccine
- 2 cups milk any fat %
- 1.5 cups chicken stock / broth
- 1 garlic clove large, minced
- 0.5 cup thickened / heavy cream
- 0.75 cup freshly grated parmesan
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Select a skillet that is large enough to accommodate the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked, then remove, rest, and slice.
- Add milk, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the skillet, bring to a simmer, then add the fettuccine.
- Stir the pasta every 30 seconds for about 3 minutes until softened, then reduce heat to medium and stir occasionally.
- After 9-10 minutes, when the pasta is almost done and liquid remains, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan.
- Simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the pasta is fully cooked; if too thick, add a splash of hot water.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve immediately garnished with extra parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Ingredients
Creating this incredible one-pot wonder starts with a few simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a harmonious and delicious creamy chicken alfredo pasta.
- 200 g / 7oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in half horizontally
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 250 g / 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups milk, any fat % (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock / broth
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup thickened / heavy cream (35% fat content is ideal)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (do not use pre-shredded)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for an even juicier result. If you are extremely pressed for time, use pre-cooked shredded chicken and add it in step 8.
Pasta: While fettuccine is traditional, feel free to use other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or even rotini. Ensure it’s not a delicate pasta that might break down too much.
Dairy: Whole milk provides the richest base for the sauce. Heavy cream (35% fat) is crucial for that luxurious, thickened texture. As Yahoo Lifestyle reports, pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can affect the texture of your sauce, so always grate your own from a block.
Broth: Vegetable broth is an excellent alternative if you prefer a non-chicken option or want a slightly lighter flavor profile.
Equipment
You don’t need much to create this stunning one-pot creamy chicken alfredo pasta dish. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick. A large skillet or Dutch oven is essential for containing all the ingredients and cooking the pasta evenly. Tongs or a spatula help with turning the chicken and stirring the pasta. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts. Finally, a cutting board and knife are vital for preparing the chicken and garlic.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping one-pot creamy chicken alfredo pasta dish that the whole family will adore.
- Prepare Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Use a skillet large enough to fit the pasta later. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken onto a plate.
- Rest & Slice: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes. While the pasta is cooking in the next steps, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Start Sauce Base: With the skillet still on the heat, add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This builds a foundational layer of flavor for your creamy sauce.
- Combine Liquids & Pasta: Pour in the milk and chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the uncooked fettuccine (or your chosen pasta). Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Move the pasta around every 30 seconds or so for the first 3 minutes until it begins to soften. This prevents it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan. Once the pasta has softened and is more pliable, reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring every couple of minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and cook.
- Add Cream & Cheese: After about 9–10 minutes, the pasta should be almost cooked (just shy of al dente), and there should still be some liquid covering the base of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the freshly grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Thicken Sauce: Simmer the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, for approximately 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken to a rich, creamy consistency as the pasta finishes cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick and gluggy, simply add a splash of hot tap water, and it will return to a silky texture with a few tosses.
- Combine & Serve: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the luscious alfredo sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve your delicious one-pot creamy chicken alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with extra freshly grated parmesan and fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Achieving the perfect creamy chicken alfredo pasta is easy with these simple tips.
- Stirring Frequency: Stir the pasta frequently, especially in the first few minutes, to prevent it from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of the skillet. This ensures even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove it from the heat when it’s slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
- Fixing Gluggy Sauce: If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t fret! A splash of hot water or extra chicken broth (about 1-2 tablespoons at a time) can quickly bring it back to a silky smooth texture.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of warmth and depth, consider adding a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce.
- Chicken Perfection: Searing the chicken separately before adding it to the sauce ensures it gets a beautiful golden crust and remains incredibly juicy and tender.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Elevate your creamy chicken alfredo pasta experience with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this rich pasta dish alongside a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Balance the richness with a vibrant, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
- Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover creamy chicken alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, or add steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give your alfredo a subtle, pleasant kick.
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp (added at the end), crispy bacon bits, or sliced Italian sausage for variety.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment by adding a touch of Fontina or mozzarella along with the Parmesan for a slightly different cheesy profile.
Nutrition Information
This one-pot creamy chicken alfredo pasta offers a satisfying and balanced meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a hearty option.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 400 g |
| Calories | 491 kcal |
| Protein | ~30-35 g |
| Fat | ~25-30 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35-40 g |
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers for your perfect creamy chicken alfredo pasta!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, absolutely! Add pre-cooked shredded or diced chicken at the very end when you return the sliced chicken to the skillet.
Why is my sauce too thick/thin?
If it’s too thick, add a splash of hot water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for another minute or two, stirring constantly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based milk and cream, but the texture and flavor of the sauce will be significantly different from traditional alfredo.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
What kind of pasta works best?
While fettuccine is classic, any sturdy, long pasta like linguine or short shapes like penne or rigatoni will also work beautifully.
Conclusion
This one-pot recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean endless dishes or complicated steps. With its tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, velvety sauce, this dish is a true testament to quick and easy cooking. It’s a comforting classic made effortlessly, perfect for any weeknight meal. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to make alfredo! Share your delicious creations and comments below – we love hearing from you!
