If you’re in the mood for a comforting and creamy pasta dish but want to keep things simple, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo is the perfect recipe for you. With just one pot and minimal ingredients, you can have a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal in no time. The combination of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re making dinner for your family on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a creamy indulgence, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo will quickly become a go-to favorite. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup, which makes it even better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Cleanup

Since everything is made in just one pot, there’s no need to worry about washing multiple pans or dishes. It’s a total win for busy nights or when you don’t feel like dealing with a sink full of dishes.

2. Super Creamy and Flavorful

This dish features a velvety Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream and freshly shredded Parmesan, giving you a rich, creamy texture that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.

3. Quick and Easy

From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to make, making it an ideal choice when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

4. Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or guests, One Pot Chicken Alfredo is sure to be a hit. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a universally loved dish.

5. Customizable

This recipe is easily adaptable to your tastes. You can add vegetables, like spinach, mushrooms, or peas, to make it even more nutritious or swap the chicken for another protein.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Chicken breast (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Low-sodium chicken broth
Heavy cream
Penne pasta
Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (with a microplane)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can toss in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added texture and nutrients. Just add them to the pot along with the chicken.
Use Different Pasta: While penne works great, feel free to use other types of pasta like fettuccine or rigatoni if you prefer.
Substitute Protein: If you don’t have chicken, this recipe works well with shrimp, turkey, or even sausage for a different flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat or sauté fresh chili slices with the garlic.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully 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 and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the penne pasta to the pot, making sure it’s covered by the liquid. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 6: Combine Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, stirring to combine. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, delicious one-pot chicken Alfredo!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, make sure not to overcook it. The chicken should be browned on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best creamy texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can result in a grainy sauce.
Stir the Pasta Frequently: Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

How to Serve

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, would complement the creamy dish beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce may slightly change texture after freezing. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken) works well in this recipe. Just add it in with the Parmesan cheese after the pasta is done cooking.

3. Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, heavy whipping cream is fine to use in place of heavy cream. Both have similar fat content and will yield a rich sauce.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream substitute (like coconut milk or cashew cream) and dairy-free Parmesan cheese.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables with the garlic or add them to the pot as the pasta cooks.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for an added kick.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to feed more people. Just ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

8. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Gouda for a different flavor.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best to make this dish fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time and then combine them with the sauce when ready to serve.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken Alfredo is the perfect solution for a quick, creamy, and delicious dinner. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the richness of homemade Alfredo without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a weeknight meal, this dish will surely satisfy all your cravings. Enjoy the creamy goodness with a side of your favorite bread or salad, and don’t forget to savor every bite!