Name: One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 %); 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, finely chopped; Extra freshly grated parmesan, for serving

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta but hate the hassle of multiple pots and pans, you’re going to adore this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It’s ridiculously simple, cooks up in about 15 minutes, and produces perfectly tender chicken swimming in a luscious, silky Alfredo sauce—all in one pan. Trust me, I discovered this trick when I needed dinner fast on a busy weeknight, and now it’s a go-to for my family.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pot wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since you only need one skillet for the entire meal.
Quick and simple: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect when hunger strikes fast.
Creamy, indulgent flavor: The rich Alfredo sauce is silky without being heavy or overwhelming.
Tender, juicy chicken: Cooking the chicken right in the pan locks in flavor and moisture perfectly.

The image shows a black pan filled with creamy white sauce mixed with long, light yellow fettuccine noodles. On top of the noodles, there are several thin slices of cooked white meat with light brown edges. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled all over the dish, adding a fresh touch. A pair of metal tongs rests inside the pan, slightly lifting some of the noodles. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and next to it is a small white bowl containing finely chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, One Pot Alfredo, Easy Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Quick Alfredo Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Choosing the right chicken breast and fresh garlic really makes a difference—and don’t overlook the Parmesan; freshly grated just elevates the whole dish.

Flat lay of a raw chicken breast halved horizontally with natural pink tones, a small mound of coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns scattered gently beside it, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a neat nest of uncooked fettuccine pasta with pale yellow strands, a small white bowl of creamy white milk, a small white bowl of rich chicken broth with a light amber hue, a single large garlic clove with papery white skin and slight shine, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream with a smooth surface, a small white bowl heaped with finely grated parmesan cheese with off-white color, and a few fresh bright green parsley sprigs arranged symmetrically, 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, One Pot Alfredo, Easy Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Quick Alfredo Dinner

Chicken breast: I like to slice it horizontally for even cooking and juicy results.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, don’t be shy—proper seasoning makes everything shine.
Olive oil: Gives a nice sear on the chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Fettuccine: Its ribbon-like shape grabs onto the creamy sauce so beautifully.
Milk: You can use any fat percentage; whole milk gives the creamiest texture.
Chicken stock/broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that punch of flavor that’s simply unbeatable.
Heavy cream: This is the secret weapon for a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly, creating that signature cheesy goodness.
Parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pop of color.

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

I love sharing this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe with friends and tweaking it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it’s a really forgiving base for adding or swapping ingredients.

Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and it still feels hearty and satisfying.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce gives a lovely warmth that my family goes nuts for.
Low-carb Swap: Using zucchini noodles instead of fettuccine works well if you’re watching carbs—just shorten the cooking time to keep them crisp.
Dairy-Free Version: I’ve experimented with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor, and it’s quite tasty for dairy-free eaters.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by sprinkling both sides of your chicken breast halves with salt and pepper—don’t skimp on the seasoning here. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; it needs to be hot enough to give the chicken a nice golden crust. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. When done, transfer to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes—you’ll thank me later because it keeps the meat juicy. Slice just before serving while your pasta cooks.

Step 2: Simmer the Pasta in Milk, Broth & Garlic

In the same skillet, add your milk, chicken broth, and garlic, bringing the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Toss in the fettuccine and use a spoon or tongs to stir the pasta every 30 seconds or so. This step is key because it prevents sticking and ensures the pasta absorbs all those flavors. After about 3 minutes, the pasta will start to soften—reduce the heat to medium and stir occasionally. It generally takes about 9 to 10 minutes for the pasta to be cooked through but still have some liquid left in the pan.

Step 3: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Once the pasta is tender and there’s still some liquid in the pan, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens up into that silken, dreamy texture you want from Alfredo. Keep stirring gently for about 2 minutes. If the sauce ever gets too thick or “gluggy,” I’ve learned that adding a splash of hot tap water and tossing it quickly brings it back to silky perfection.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then plate your pasta topped with the sliced chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. It’s beautiful, fragrant, and totally comforting.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Don’t rush the resting: Rest your chicken after cooking; this locks in juices and keeps every bite tender.
Stir frequently: Pasta can stick fast, so keeping it moving every 30 seconds during the early simmer will save you from clumps.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt the same way, so I always grate mine fresh for that creamy texture.
Fixing thick sauces: If your sauce tightens too much, a splash of hot water resets the sauce to silky smooth without watering it down.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white bowl holds creamy fettuccine pasta topped with pieces of light golden cooked chicken. The pasta is thick and pale, coated with a smooth white sauce. There are small green bits of parsley sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a soft white cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a silver fork rests on the cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, One Pot Alfredo, Easy Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Quick Alfredo Dinner

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that add fresh flavor and color. I love chopping fresh parsley for a bright pop, plus some extra Parmesan for that cheesy finish. Sometimes I toss on cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good olive oil—it just lifts the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides like a Caesar salad or garlic roasted broccoli. Sometimes I serve it alongside crusty garlic bread because what’s Alfredo without a good dipping buddy? If you want to keep it light, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and tiny edible flowers for a fancy touch. Another fun idea is layering the pasta and chicken in a glass casserole for a beautiful, layered look—perfect for entertaining where you want that “wow” factor but no extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe keeps well for about 2-3 days without losing too much creaminess, though the sauce might thicken and pasta will absorb some liquid.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, but I’ve found that placing leftovers in a freezer-safe container without sauce thickening too much works okay. When thawed, just add a splash of milk or broth and gently reheat to bring the sauce back to life. It won’t be quite as silky as fresh, but still tasty and convenient!

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat with a little extra milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy texture. Microwaving works in a pinch—just add a small splash of liquid and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, you can substitute penne, linguine, or even bowtie pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different shapes vary in how long they take to soften in the liquid.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the recipe?

Heavy cream really makes the sauce rich and velvety, but you can use half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk if that’s what you have. The sauce might be a bit lighter but still delicious. Just be sure to watch the sauce consistency as you finish cooking.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Stirring the pasta every 30 seconds during the first few minutes of simmering is key. This keeps the noodles separate and evenly coated with liquid, helping them cook smoothly without sticking to the pan or clumping together.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

You can definitely make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce. It’s a great option for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it combines so much deliciousness with zero fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. I hope you try it out and find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly.