One Pot Chicken Alfredo – Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy

When you’re craving a creamy, rich Chicken Alfredo but want to keep things simple, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo is the answer. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Alfredo sauce, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in just one pot. The best part? You won’t have to worry about making separate pots for pasta and sauce – everything cooks in one pot for a hassle-free experience!

This recipe is designed to be quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious texture, while the chicken adds a savory bite that complements the pasta perfectly. Plus, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients to create this flavorful dish, making it an easy go-to when you’re short on time.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo is sure to be a hit. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One Pot Wonder

This recipe simplifies dinner time by cooking everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

2. Quick and Easy

With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

3. Creamy and Flavorful

The rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and freshly shredded Parmesan creates a creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

4. Tender Chicken

The chicken breasts are seasoned perfectly and cooked directly in the same pot, keeping them juicy and full of flavor.

5. Customizable

You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to make it more nutritious or swap the chicken for shrimp or another protein.

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 Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded with a microplane
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a pop of color and added nutrition.
• Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even sausage if you prefer a different protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the penne pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Allow the mixture to come back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chicken

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix everything together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy, serve the One Pot Chicken Alfredo immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which can be coated in anti-caking agents.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken when sautéing it, as it can become dry. Cook it just until golden brown and cooked through.
• Adjust Liquid Amounts: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it up.
• Stir Frequently: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

How to Serve

Serve this One Pot Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top can elevate the flavors even more.

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. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

While pasta dishes can be tricky to freeze, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream as necessary.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Chicken Alfredo in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and add extra cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.

2. Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor.

3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

While homemade sauce gives the best flavor, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re in a pinch.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and pasta ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the entire dish just before serving. The pasta will absorb the sauce if left too long.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

6. How do I make the sauce creamier?

If you want a richer sauce, add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a splash of whole milk for extra creaminess.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to this dish for added flavor and nutrition.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to prevent it from sticking. You can also add a little extra liquid if needed to keep the pasta submerged.

9. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents. If you must use pre-shredded cheese, it will still work, but the sauce might be slightly less smooth.

10. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo is the perfect meal when you want something rich, creamy, and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is sure to please everyone at the table. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze since everything is made in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting guests, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo is sure to be a hit!

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