Name: One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200 g / 7 oz chicken breast, cut in half horizontally; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 250 g / 8 oz fettuccine; 2 cups milk, any fat percentage; 1 1/2 cups chicken stock / broth; 1 large garlic clove, minced; 1/2 cup thickened / heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Additional freshly grated parmesan, for serving (optional)

If you’re craving a creamy, comforting dinner that doesn’t fill your kitchen with a million pots and pans to wash, then stick around—I’m about to share my absolutely fan-freaking-tastic One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe. This is one of those meals I make on busy nights because it’s quick, crazy tasty, and honestly feels like a little indulgence in every bite. I promise you’ll love how simple it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser, and you’ll impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of milk, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan gives you an indulgent sauce that’s silky smooth.
Juicy Chicken Every Time: Cooking the chicken separately allows it to develop that perfect golden crust without drying out.
Quick to Make: This dish comes together in just about 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

A white bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta topped with pieces of light golden-brown cooked chicken and sprinkled with small bright green parsley bits. The pasta is coated with a smooth, pale cream sauce and is twisted into soft loops. The bowl sits on a white cloth napkin, all placed on a white marbled surface. A silver fork is positioned to the left side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy Alfredo recipe, quick chicken pasta dinner, one pot creamy pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a luscious sauce and tender pasta with perfectly cooked chicken. Quick tip: using fresh Parmesan makes a surprising difference in getting that sauce totally smooth and cheesy.

Flat lay of a freshly sliced raw chicken breast with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, uncooked fettuccine pasta neatly arranged, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, another white bowl containing clear chicken stock, a peeled large garlic clove finely minced beside it, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a few vibrant green sprigs of parsley, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy Alfredo recipe, quick chicken pasta dinner, one pot creamy pasta

Chicken breast: I like cutting mine horizontally for faster cooking and more surface area to brown.
Olive oil: Use good quality for better flavor when browning the chicken.
Fettuccine: You can swap for other pasta shapes, but fettuccine holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Milk: Any fat content works, but whole milk gives a creamier texture.
Chicken stock/broth: Use a clear, flavorful stock for the best sauce base. I go for Campbell’s.
Garlic clove: Minced fresh garlic adds that unbeatable aroma and depth.
Heavy cream (or thickened cream): This adds richness—light cream works too if you want to keep it lighter.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must—it melts right into the sauce for that silky texture.
Parsley: Just a sprinkle on top for freshness and a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love letting this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe be a bit of a blank canvas sometimes. Adding your personal twist not only keeps it fun but also lets you tailor it to whatever you have in your fridge or dietary preferences.

Veggie Boost: My family goes crazy when I toss in some fresh spinach or steamed broccoli during the last couple of minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne gives the creamy sauce a subtle, fiery edge that I can’t resist.
Cheese Swaps: I once replaced Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a saltier punch—it was a hit, but remember Pecorino is stronger, so less is more.
Lower Fat: Use light cream and skim milk to reduce calories—though the sauce is less rich, it’s still delightfully creamy.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

First, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides—flavor is everything! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Don’t rush here; that golden crust locks in juiciness and flavor. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting step is key to avoid dry chicken.

Step 2: Start Your Sauce and Pasta

In the same skillet (don’t wash it! Those browned bits add flavor), pour in the milk, chicken broth, and minced garlic, then bring it to a simmer. Add the fettuccine and toss it around every 30 seconds or so—that’s the secret I learned that stops the pasta from sticking together. Keep an eye on it; after about 3 minutes, the pasta should start to soften.

Step 3: Let It Simmer and Build Flavor

Reduce the heat to medium and stir the pasta every couple of minutes. Around the 9-10 minute mark, the pasta will be almost done but still swimming in liquid. Now, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is the magic moment—the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully within a couple of minutes. If your sauce starts to get too thick or gluggy, don’t panic! Just add a splash of hot water and toss—it’ll go silky again.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Slice the rested chicken and nestle it on top of the pasta. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan. Serve immediately for a warm, gooey, comforting meal you’ll be proud of!

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Keep Stirring the Pasta: Tossing the pasta every 30 seconds prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking—trust me, skipping this step is how I once ended up with a sticky clump.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking it separately, just enough to get a golden crust, keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out in the sauce.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts beautifully into the sauce making it velvety and cheesy without gritty bits.
Rescue a Thick Sauce: If your sauce gets too thick or gluey, add a little hot water and stir—this simple trick brings it back to silky perfection.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a lively, bright contrast to the creamy sauce. A little extra Parmesan on top is a given. Sometimes I throw a few cracked black peppercorns for an extra pop. It’s all about balancing richness and freshness here.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this dish with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread is a classic that my whole family adores—trust me, it’s gone within minutes. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a nice textural contrast and a dose of color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this pasta in deep bowls with a swirl of extra cream and a sprig of parsley. You could also twirl the pasta with a fork before plating to create pretty nests—makes it feel restaurant-worthy without extra effort. If I’m hosting, I set out extra Parmesan and chili flakes so everyone can customize to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and honestly, the pasta holds up well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before eating, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta is a little tricky because of the cream sauce—it can separate a bit. But if you want to give it a go, freeze it without the garnish and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a touch of cream or milk to smooth things out.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the pasta slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you risk drying it out without stirring and moisture adjustment.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and holds the sauce nicely, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different shapes absorb liquid differently.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use light cream or even whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Some people add a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone to mimic that richness as well.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking in one pot?

The key is to stir or toss the pasta every 30 seconds during the initial cooking phase, ensuring it doesn’t clump together. Adding enough liquid and maintaining a gentle simmer also helps.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For protein, you can add sautéed mushrooms or tofu cubes—both pair well with that creamy Alfredo sauce.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes not only because it’s delicious and quick but because it feels like a special treat even on the busiest nights. I love how you can make a full, comforting meal without the mess and stress. I genuinely think you’ll enjoy this as much as I do—give it a try and tell me what you think. It might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner!