Effortless One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Welcome to the ultimate solution for busy weeknights and craving delicious, comforting meals: One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Imagine tender, succulent white meat chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and wonderfully flavorful Parmesan sauce. Best of all? It all comes together in a single pot, drastically reducing cleanup without compromising on taste. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph that promises to delight every palate at your table.

Experience the Magic of One-Pot Cooking: Less Mess, More Flavor!

In the world of home cooking, the concept of a one-pot meal is nothing short of revolutionary. This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta exemplifies why. By cooking everything in a single vessel, you’re not just saving yourself from a pile of dirty dishes; you’re actively enhancing the flavor profile of the dish. As the chicken, pasta, and sauce ingredients simmer together, their flavors meld beautifully, creating a depth and richness that traditional multi-pot methods often miss. The starch from the pasta releases into the sauce, contributing to an incredibly smooth and luscious consistency that makes this creamy chicken pasta truly irresistible.

This recipe transforms tender chicken breast, your favorite bite-sized pasta, and a light yet incredibly creamy Parmesan sauce into an easy, simple dinner that will have everyone rushing to the table. It’s a filling, intensely flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to achieve gourmet results. Say goodbye to the hassle of multiple pans and dishes, and hello to a fuss-free, delicious dinner experience.

An Effortlessly Easy Dinner Ready in About 30 Minutes

When dinner time rolls around, nothing quite satisfies like a generous bowl of pasta. Whether it’s a timeless classic like Spaghetti and Meatballs, the quick elegance of Cacio e Pepe, or a vibrant Lemon Ricotta Linguini, pasta consistently delivers a popular and quick dinner solution. And this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is no exception – it’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser that guarantees clean plates and requests for second helpings!

What makes this particular one-pot pasta recipe a standout is its incredible speed and adaptability. From start to finish, you’re looking at approximately 30-35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. You can use virtually any short, bite-sized pasta you have on hand. While Cavatappi is a personal favorite for its fun shape and ability to hold the creamy sauce, penne and fusilli are also excellent choices that work beautifully in this dish. The simplicity of throwing everything into one pot and letting it simmer to perfection means less time cooking, less time cleaning, and more time enjoying a truly magnificent homemade meal.

Pairing and Serving Your One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

While some purists might debate the “authenticity” of Alfredo in traditional Italian cuisine, there’s no denying its universal deliciousness. This creamy chicken Alfredo is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, especially on those hectic days when you need a quick and satisfying meal. However, for a more complete and balanced dinner, consider pairing it with a fresh, crisp side.

A vibrant Chopped Caesar Salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, some perfectly roasted vegetables, like Crispy Oven-Fried Broccoli or asparagus, add a lovely touch of green and extra nutrients. And let’s be honest, who can resist a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible Alfredo sauce? Whether you serve it solo or with accompaniments, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Your Easy Chicken Alfredo

Crafting this delightful One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients and just a couple of kitchen tools. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, proving that you don’t need exotic items to create a truly spectacular meal. (For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Key Ingredients:

• Olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and building a flavorful base.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing lean, tender bites.
• Garlic salt: A powerful seasoning that infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent, creating the foundation for our creamy sauce.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and liquid to cook the pasta and form the sauce.
• Milk: Contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce. Any milk (whole, 2%, or even skim) will work, though higher fat content yields a creamier result.
• Uncooked short pasta or any bite-sized pasta: I highly recommend Cavatappi for its corkscrew shape that cradles the sauce, but penne and fusilli are also excellent choices that cook evenly and hold the sauce beautifully.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The quintessential ingredient for Alfredo, adding a sharp, salty, and umami-rich flavor. Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors and adjust to your personal preference.

Essential Supplies:

• Large deep skillet: Crucial for a one-pot meal, allowing ample space for all ingredients to cook and for the sauce to develop without overflowing. A 12-inch skillet with high sides is ideal.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan without damaging the surface.

Gathering these simple ingredients and tools is the first step towards creating an unforgettable easy chicken Alfredo dinner.

Crafting Your Delicious One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

• Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in size. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easier to enjoy with each forkful of pasta. Season the chicken generously with garlic salt, ensuring every piece is well coated. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor from the start.
• Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in your large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Brown the chicken well on all sides for about 5-8 minutes. The goal here isn’t to cook it through completely, but to develop a beautiful golden crust, which adds immense flavor (the Maillard reaction!) and texture to the final dish.
• Create the Roux: Once the chicken is browned, sprinkle the all-purpose flour directly over the chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the chicken is well coated in the flour and a light roux begins to form. This step is crucial as the flour will thicken our Alfredo sauce, giving it that luxurious, creamy consistency.

• Add Liquids and Bring to a Boil: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and milk. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these are packed with flavor! Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, ensuring the flour is fully dissolved and the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
• Cook the Pasta: Add your uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Stir everything well to combine, making sure the pasta doesn’t stick together. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer to Perfection: Let the pasta simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and cooked al dente. It’s important to stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid, and its starches will further thicken the sauce, creating a perfect consistency.

• Finish with Parmesan: Once the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. This is a crucial step for preventing the Parmesan from clumping. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated, creating a silky, rich Alfredo sauce.

• Season to Taste: Finally, season the chicken Alfredo pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and serve immediately for the best experience.

Variations & Storage Tips for Your One-Pot Masterpiece

This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrient content and color by stirring in some fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or frozen peas right after removing from heat. Steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms can also be folded in for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic salt when browning the chicken.
• Different Proteins: While chicken is classic, cooked shrimp (added at the very end to prevent overcooking) or Italian sausage (browned and crumbled) can be wonderful alternatives.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped and stirred in just before serving, will brighten the flavors beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

Leftovers of this creamy pasta dish are a treat! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the sauce may thicken considerably. To revive its creamy texture, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before gently reheating on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently until heated through and the sauce loosens to your desired consistency. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! If you make this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, please snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. I can’t wait to see your delicious results! If you’re on Facebook, consider joining my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a fantastic community where you can connect with other home cooks and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make. I truly cherish seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every bite!

xoxo,

Print Recipe

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

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• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

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Description

From start to finish, this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a breeze. Tender white meat chicken and a light and creamy parmesan sauce over your favorite pasta in a simple yet filling one-dish dinner they’ll devour.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 12 ounces uncooked short pasta or any bite-sized pasta (I use Cavatappi)
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces, about 1 inch, and season with the garlic salt.
2. Add olive oil to a large deep skillet over medium high heat.
3. Add chicken to the hot skillet and brown well on all sides for about 5-8 minutes.
4. Add flour and stir until chicken is well coated in the flour.
5. Stir in the chicken broth and milk and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well to combine.
7. Reduce heat to a simmer and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove from the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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