Name: One Pot Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 quart low sodium chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 pound penne pasta; 4 cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (using a microplane); Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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One Pot Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. This recipe combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of Alfredo with tender chicken and pasta, all cooked in a single pot. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity—everything cooks together, resulting in minimal cleanup and maximum taste. The chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, and the pasta is cooked right in the flavorful Alfredo sauce, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors. Topped with freshly shredded Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

One Pot Chicken Alfredo is a true crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can create a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or prepare a simple family dinner, this recipe has you covered. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prep. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats every bite of pasta, and the diced chicken adds a savory protein boost, making this dish both filling and flavorful. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One Pot Wonder

Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a hassle-free way to create a comforting meal with minimal dishes.

2. Rich and Creamy

The combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly shredded Parmesan creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

4. Full of Flavor

The chicken and garlic are seared to perfection, adding depth of flavor to the Alfredo sauce and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like spinach, peas, or mushrooms, to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Ingredients

Olive oil (divided)
Chicken breast (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Low sodium chicken broth
Heavy cream
Penne pasta
Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.
Chicken and Bacon Alfredo: Add crispy bacon for an extra savory touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir and cook the pasta according to package instructions, about 9-10 minutes, or until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly shredded Parmesan for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Don’t Skip Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken first helps build flavor and adds depth to the dish.

How to Serve

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple tomato basil salad. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pot Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best for this recipe.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

4. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be used as a lighter substitute for heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.

5. Can I make this recipe without cheese?

The cheese is what makes this dish creamy, but you can try a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it for a lighter version.

6. How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even some chopped jalapeños to spice things up.

7. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different variation.

8. How can I make this dish lower in fat?

To reduce the fat content, you can use low-fat cream, skip the cheese, or use a lower-fat cheese alternative.

9. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce, but making it from scratch with cream and Parmesan adds more flavor and richness.

10. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

One Pot Chicken Alfredo is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that will become a staple in your recipe rotation. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving comfort food. Plus, the fact that it’s all made in one pot makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re making it for your family or for guests, this recipe will never disappoint. Enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of homemade Chicken Alfredo with minimal effort!