One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting Italian-American classic that comes together quickly in a single pot. Tender chicken, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for an easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup. This versatile dish can be customized with vegetables, different proteins, or dairy-free alternatives, making it perfect for busy schedules and a variety of dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains Dairy
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
For the Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through, sealing in the juices.
- Sauté garlic: Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add minced garlic to the butter and chicken drippings, cooking for about one minute until fragrant without burning.
- Add liquid and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta in an even layer, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
- Simmer and stir: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove the lid and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Cut chicken pieces evenly for uniform cooking.
- Monitor pasta cooking time to avoid mushy noodles.
- Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reserve some pasta water or broth to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, Italian-American, comfort food