One Pot Chicken Alfredo: Weeknight Dinner Savior

On hectic weeknights, I rely on recipes that are comforting, fast, and do not leave me with a sink full of dishes. That is exactly why this One Pot Chicken Alfredo has become a repeat favorite. The pasta cooks right in the pan, creating a silky, restaurant-style sauce from butter, cream, and parmesan, and it is ready in about 30 minutes. It is the kind of creamy, satisfying dinner that feels like a treat, even when the day has been anything but calm.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Incredibly versatile – can be customized with different proteins and vegetables
• One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup and less kitchen stress
• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator
• The homemade alfredo sauce is far superior to jarred versions
• Great way to use up leftover chicken or easily adapt with freshly cooked chicken

Ingredients

For the Base:

• Pasta – Absorbs flavors while cooking and releases starches that thicken the sauce
• Chicken – Provides lean protein and a hearty texture to make the dish substantial
• Heavy cream – Creates the rich, velvety sauce that defines Alfredo
• Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth and naturally thickens the sauce
• Butter – Creates flavor foundation and helps emulsify the sauce
• Garlic or shallot – Provides aromatic base that infuses the entire dish
• Salt and pepper – Enhances all flavors and balances the richness

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh chives – Add bright color and mild onion flavor
• Mozzarella cheese – Creates additional melty texture and richness

How to Make Chicken Alfredo One-Pot Method

There is nothing complicated about making this dish. Here’s what you do in brief:

1. Sauté the shallots or garlic in butter. 

2. Remove the sauteed garlic and wipe out the skillet.
3. Pour the pasta into the skillet and add salted water.
4. Please bring it to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce the heat to simmer until the pasta is softened and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add the cream, parmesan, chicken, and shallots/garlic. 

6. Stir to combine all the ingredients together.
7. Season to taste and sprinkle with chives and mozzarella if desired. 

Recipe Tips

If the sauce gets too thick and gluggy, add a splash of hot water. If the pasta is still not tender enough for your liking, add ¼ to ½ cup of hot water and keep cooking.

It’s best to use freshly grated (not shredded) Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent them from becoming smooth and melty.

One Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe Variations

This recipe involves chicken, but you can use any cooked meat you have on hand. Here are a few ideas if you want to vary this pasta recipe.

• Protein: Substitute shrimp for shrimp pasta alfredo or shrimp fettuccine alfredo if you go with fettuccine. Other tasty ideas are thinly sliced chicken sausage or prosciutto.
• Pasta: Instead of fettuccine or other long pasta, you can use your favorite short or medium pasta or noodle – farfalle, penne, rigatoni, rotini, shells, ziti, etc.
• Vegetable: About halfway through the pasta cooking time, add some veggies of your choice – halved grape tomatoes, shredded spinach, small broccoli florets, red or green bell peppers. Or toss in some sundried tomatoes or sliced black olives when the pasta is cooked.
• Butter: Substitute olive oil for sauteeing the garlic.
• Chives: Use chopped fresh parsley instead.
• Crunch: Toast some panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with butter and use them as a garnish.
• Heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a Cajun-spiced one-pot alfredo with chicken.
• Creaminess: To save on calories, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but your pasta sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Cream sauces tend to separate, and the pasta texture suffers.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop in a wide pan. Add a few splashes of milk or cream and stir until smooth and warmed through.

Love Alfredo Sauce? Try These Recipes!

• Baked Tortellini Alfredo
• Crab Alfredo
• Creamy Alfredo Sauce
• Gnocchi Alfredo
• Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
• Shrimp Alfredo
• Spicy Alfredo Sauce
• Steak Alfredo

Favorite Italian Pasta Recipes

• Cavatini Pasta
• Garlic Butter Pasta
• Pasta Con Broccoli
• Penni alla Vodka
• One Pot Sausage Pasta

Check out my easy pasta recipes and the best Italian recipes on CopyKat!