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Creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This creamy one-pot chicken Alfredo pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. No boiling pasta separately, no draining, and just one pot to clean. The secret is cooking the pasta directly in the cream and broth mixture, creating a silky, luscious sauce that clings to every noodle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta, broken in half if needed
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and sear the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pot. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir together, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add fettuccine, breaking in half if needed to fit. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  4. Simmer until pasta is tender: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta is done when tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
  5. Add Parmesan and chicken: Turn off heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over pasta and stir until melted. Add cooked chicken back to the pot along with any juices. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Rest and serve: Let pasta sit in the pot for 2-3 minutes off the heat to allow sauce to thicken further. Give one final stir, then serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, grate Parmesan fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Stir pasta every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan to 1/2 cup.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, chicken alfredo, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, 30-minute meal

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