One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes the best meals are the ones that don’t require a million pots and pans and hours of babysitting. That’s why this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-easy — plus, it all cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how rich and flavorful it was despite being so simple. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through every step so your pasta comes out perfectly tender and your chicken juicy every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All you really need are a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend fresh parmesan and good quality chicken stock because they make a noticeable difference in flavor and sauce consistency. Trust me, they’re worth the extra step at the store!

• Chicken breast: Cutting it in half horizontally helps it cook evenly and faster.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality one for cooking the chicken to get that golden crust.
• Fettuccine: This pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can swap for linguine or tagliatelle.
• Milk: Any fat % works here – whole milk gives more richness, but lighter milk keeps it healthier.
• Chicken stock/broth: I use a clear brand like Campbell’s for a cleaner white sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that fragrant kick in the sauce.
• Heavy/thickened cream: Adds extra creaminess; I’ve used lighter cream too, with good results.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best because it melts smoothly; store-bought works but can be grainier.
• Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese for a new twist. Experimenting is half the fun!

• Veggie boost: Adding spinach or peas towards the end gives a freshness and color that my family loves — plus, sneaking in greens is always a win!
• Spicy kick: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat that complements the creaminess perfectly.
• Gluten-free: With gluten-free fettuccine, this recipe still works beautifully — just watch the cooking time carefully.
• Dairy alternative: I’ve used oat milk and vegan cream substitutes to accommodate friends’ allergies, and while the flavor changes a bit, it’s still delicious.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken breast halves generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat — I like using one that’s large enough to comfortably fit the pasta later. Add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. This step is crucial because browning the chicken separately locks in juicy flavor and gives you those gorgeous brown bits that add depth. Once done, remove the chicken onto a plate to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Trust me, resting keeps the meat tender!

Step 2: Simmer Your Sauce Base and Add Pasta

Into that same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold), pour in the milk, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once you see it bubbling lightly around the edges, add your fettuccine. This part is a bit hands-on — every 30 seconds or so, stir or move the pasta around so it softens evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. It generally takes about 3 minutes for the pasta to soften enough that you can stir it gently without breaking the strands. Once softened, lower the heat to medium and stir every couple of minutes to keep everything cooking evenly.

Step 3: Finish the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

After roughly 9 to 10 minutes of simmering, your pasta should be tender but still have a little bite, with enough liquid left covering the bottom of the pan. Now, add the heavy cream and the freshly grated parmesan. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully and coats the pasta with that signature creamy richness. If your sauce ever gets too thick or gluggy, don’t worry — I discovered this trick of adding a splash of hot water saves the day and brings it back to silky perfection. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then toss in your sliced chicken to warm it through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once everything’s combined and warmed through, it’s time to plate! Serve your One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. I always find it’s best enjoyed right away because the sauce is at its creamiest and pasta tenderness is perfect.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of the classic combo of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan when serving this dish. The parsley adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up.

Side Dishes

This pasta is pretty filling, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic roasted broccoli. Sometimes, oven-toasted garlic bread is the perfect side to sop up any leftover sauce on the plate — it’s like a little bonus treat!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. Another fun idea is to add a drizzle of truffle oil right at the end for a luxurious upgrade that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 2 days. The sauce thickens a bit, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay, but I recommend freezing before adding cream and parmesan for best texture. Reheat gently and finish with cheese and cream fresh when thawed.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture. Microwaving works too but stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels special without needing hours of prep. I love how quick it comes together and the way everyone always asks for seconds. If you’re after a creamy, dreamy comfort meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this is the one to try. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to weeknight favorite too — like it did for me!

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