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Creamy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

creamy one pot chicken alfredo pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one pot chicken Alfredo pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce for a comforting homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked fettuccine or linguine, broken in half
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (90 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same pan, then toss in minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Add the uncooked pasta, pressing it down gently to submerge. Partially cover the pan with the lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta should become tender and most liquid absorbed.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pasta. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, covered, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and pasta is creamy.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If the pasta looks too dry before fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water. If the sauce is too thin at the end, simmer uncovered for a minute or two to thicken. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to get a nice golden crust. Variations include swapping chicken for shrimp, mushrooms, or spinach; using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce; or using gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, chicken Alfredo, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, garlic, Parmesan