If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish that doesn’t require a mountain of pots and pans, this One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s super simple to whip up, combining tender chicken, luscious fettuccine, and a dreamy Alfredo sauce made right in one pot. No fuss, no mess, just pure deliciousness that impresses friends and family alike with its rich flavor and effortless style. Prepare to savor every bite of this cozy, homey, and downright irresistible meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an important role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From juicy chicken to creamy dairy, every item here contributes to the magic of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds a subtle richness to the base.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: Provides tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
- 3 cups whole milk: Creates the creamy, velvety texture that defines Alfredo sauce.
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds depth and moisture, helping cook the pasta perfectly.
- 1 pound uncooked fettuccine: The classic pasta that soaks up all those luscious liquids.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional): For extra richness and a silkier sauce texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that brings bold savory notes and creaminess.
- Parsley (optional, for serving): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbaceous finish.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken brown beautifully on the outside — this process adds flavor and texture — but don’t worry if it’s not completely cooked through yet because it will finish cooking later along with the pasta.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Once the chicken has a nice golden exterior, pour in the milk and chicken broth. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck on the pan’s bottom because they pack a ton of flavor. This mixture starts creating the creamy base for the sauce while adding enough liquid to cook the pasta directly in the pot.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked fettuccine to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, tossing the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This step lets the pasta soak in those rich liquids, absorbing flavor while softening to perfection.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Now for the final touch: stir in the heavy cream (if using) and let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pasta is tender and coated in a luscious sauce. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy dream. Serve piping hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you want that classic Alfredo finish.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a nice herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy richness, balancing each bite perfectly. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top offers a salty, cheesy contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish’s creamy notes wonderfully, adding some color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley artfully placed on top. Drizzle a little truffle oil or a dusting of cracked black pepper for an elevated touch that will wow your guests. You can even add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Freezing Alfredo pasta can be tricky due to the creaminess but is possible. Cool the dish completely, portion it, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Just know the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Rewarm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta besides fettuccine?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, you can use penne, linguine, or even bow tie pasta. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly with different shapes.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is optional in this recipe. It adds extra richness and silkiness, but the dish is still creamy and flavorful without it thanks to the milk and Parmesan.
Can I substitute chicken breast with another protein?
Yes! Shrimp, turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms can be delicious alternatives. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What makes this a “one pot” recipe?
The entire dish cooks in a single pan, from browning the chicken to simmering the pasta in the sauce, minimizing cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together?
Regularly tossing or stirring the pasta during cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures each strand cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with this One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor — an ideal weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat. Give it a try and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation, reminding you just how joyful cooking can be when everything comes together so effortlessly and deliciously.
Print
One Pot Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot chicken fettuccine Alfredo that combines tender diced chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce made with milk, chicken broth, and optional heavy cream. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, delivering classic Italian flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 pound fettuccine, uncooked
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richer sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown chicken: Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides but not fully cooked through yet, about 5 minutes.
- Add liquids: Pour the milk and chicken broth into the pan with the chicken, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate that flavor into the liquid.
- Add pasta and simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked fettuccine, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and to promote even cooking. The pasta should be almost done at this point.
- Finish dish: Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the fettuccine is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with mushrooms or omit and use vegetable broth.
- Stir the pasta frequently while simmering to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adding heavy cream is optional but creates a richer Alfredo sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
