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One-Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo is the perfect busy-night dinner: tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce all cooked together in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • 2 cups uncooked fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Sauce
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a mild kick
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
  2. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pot. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much to avoid bitterness.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
  5. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, gently press the pasta down with a spoon.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  7. When the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor and texture, feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms during the simmering step. If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, simply stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating.