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; Parsley, for garnish; Extra freshly grated parmesan, for serving

If you’re anything like me and crave creamy, comforting pasta without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, then this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up a delicious, velvety Alfredo sauce with tender chicken, all in one pan. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fancy-ish but without the fuss.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Creamy, Rich Flavor: Freshly grated parmesan and cream make the sauce irresistibly silky.
Juicy, Golden Chicken: Cooking the chicken separately gives it a great sear and keeps it moist.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy nights!

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 Alfredo, easy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta recipe, weeknight chicken Alfredo

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but really come together beautifully to create that classic Alfredo flavor. Choosing good quality parmesan and fresh garlic elevates this dish into something special. Also, using chicken breast gives you tender, lean protein that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.

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 Alfredo, easy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta recipe, weeknight chicken Alfredo

Chicken breast: I like to slice it horizontally for quicker, even cooking and a nice golden crust.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce for balanced flavors.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for sautéing the chicken.
Fettuccine: The classic choice for Alfredo, but you can swap in any pasta you like.
Milk: Whole, skim, or even plant-based milk works fine—just pick what you love.
Chicken stock/broth: Adds depth; I usually go for a clear, good-quality brand to keep the sauce bright.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable for that subtle aromatic kick.
Heavy cream (thickened cream): This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—feel free to use lighter cream if you want.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key to melting smoothly into the sauce.
Parsley: A sprinkle at the end for color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

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

One of the things I love about this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re swapping proteins, adjusting for dietary needs, or adding veggies, the basic technique holds up beautifully.

Vegetarian Version: Try it with mushrooms or broccoli instead of chicken—I’ve done this on busy nights and it’s just as satisfying.
Lightened-Up Sauce: Using light cream or even half-and-half works well if you want a less rich dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sautéed jalapeños to wake up the flavors.
Different Pastas: While fettuccine is classic, penne or even rigatoni hold the sauce nicely and are great alternatives.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—one big enough to fit your pasta later. Add the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until you get a lovely golden crust and the chicken is cooked through. Resist the urge to crowd the pan; this helps achieve that gorgeous sear. Once done, remove the chicken onto a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes—this step keeps it juicy and tender. Later, you’ll slice it while the pasta finishes cooking.

Step 2: Simmer the Liquid and Add the Pasta

With the chicken resting, add milk, chicken stock, and minced garlic to your skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Now it’s time to add your fettuccine. Here’s a little trick I learned: stir the pasta every 30 seconds or so to prevent sticking in those first 3 minutes while it softens. This might feel a bit hands-on, but trust me, it’s worth it for that perfectly cooked pasta texture. After the initial softening, reduce heat to medium and stir occasionally every couple of minutes.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Parmesan, and Slice the Chicken

By the 9 to 10-minute mark, your pasta should be nearly cooked but still swimming in liquid. It’s time to add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. Stir well to combine, simmering gently for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to that creamy, dreamy consistency. If the sauce gets too thick or gloopy, I like to add a splash of hot water—it brings the sauce back to silky perfection with just a few quick tosses. Finally, slice the rested chicken and fold it back into the pasta.

Step 4: Season and Serve Immediately

Give it a final taste to check your salt and pepper levels—everyone’s preference is a little different, and this last seasoning step really makes a difference. Serve your One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta piping hot, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Chicken Searing: Cooking chicken separately not only seals in juicy flavors but also keeps the sauce beautifully white without turning it cloudy.
Pasta Stirring: Frequent stirring during the early cooking prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Cheese Matters: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives you that silky, smooth sauce that pre-grated parmesan just can’t match.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce thickens too much, add a little hot water and stir—it’s a simple fix to keep your dish luscious.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and brightness, which cuts through the richness beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, a little drizzle of truffle oil on top takes it next level, but that’s totally optional!

Side Dishes

This pasta is quite filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted broccoli. If you want to keep things simple, crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up that leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the pasta in a shallow bowl with a nest of sliced chicken on top, a large parsley sprig, and a curl of parmesan. Adding edible flowers or microgreens gives it an elegant, restaurant-style look that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce overnight, so it might seem thicker the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It reheats well, though the texture changes slightly after thawing—still great for a quick meal when you’re short on time.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it tends to dry out the pasta and chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and works beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed and keep an eye on the liquid levels to avoid sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is great for meal prepping since it stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just remember that the sauce thickens as it cools, so reheat with a splash of milk or water to get that creamy texture back.
Can I use light cream or milk alternatives?

Definitely! Light cream or half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, and plant-based milks like oat or almond work too, though they may change the flavor slightly. I recommend sticking to richer creams if you want that classic Alfredo richness.
Why do I need to stir the pasta often during cooking?

Since you’re cooking the pasta directly in the liquid within one pot, it tends to stick and clump without frequent stirring. Stiring every 30 seconds at first prevents sticking and ensures even cooking, giving you that perfect pasta texture.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has been a total game-changer in my kitchen. What I adore about it is how it simplifies a dish that usually feels a bit intimidating—now you can enjoy creamy, restaurant-quality Alfredo without the mess or hours of prep. I hope you love making this as much as I do, and that it becomes a go-to dish when you want something comforting, delicious, and effortlessly impressive. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!