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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner for Effortless Comfort

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This creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is a comforting, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, pasta cooked in a silky Parmesan sauce, and simple pantry staples. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% or half-and-half)
  • 8 ounces dry penne pasta (or fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a pinch of dried oregano and basil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
  • Lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and just cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. If garlic starts to brown, add a splash of broth.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add dry pasta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to prevent pasta from sticking.
  4. Simmer gently, stirring every 2–3 minutes, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce is creamy. Add more milk or broth if needed.
  5. Return chicken and any juices to the pot. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and everything is hot. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Top with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon zest if desired. Serve hot, straight from the pot.

Notes

Use fresh Parmesan for best results. For gluten-free, substitute GF pasta and check cooking time. To make vegetarian, swap chicken for mushrooms or broccoli and use vegetable broth. If sauce thickens after sitting, add a splash of milk or broth before serving. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, Italian, family recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-chicken-alfredo-pasta-recipe-easy-one-pot-dinner-for-effortless-comfort/