The Magic of One Pot
I love a good one pot pasta recipes. Less washing up means more time for stories. This one pot cheesy chicken alfredo is my new favorite. You cook everything in a single pan.
That matters because it makes dinner simple. You are not running between the sink and the stove. It is a true 30 minute meals hero. What is your favorite one-pot dish to make?
A Creamy Dream Come True
Let us talk about that creamy alfredo sauce. It starts with broth and cream right in the pan. The pasta soaks up all that flavor as it cooks. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
My grandson once called it “cheese soup for pasta.” I still laugh at that. Making a homemade alfredo sauce this way is a small joy. It tastes so much better than from a jar.
Cheese, Please!
The secret to this cheesy chicken pasta is two kinds of cheese. Fresh Parmesan and soft mozzarella. You stir them in at the very end. The heat from the pasta melts them into a silky blanket.
*Fun fact*: Real Parmesan cheese does not come from a green shaker can. A block you grate yourself tastes worlds better. It matters because good ingredients make simple food special. Do you have a favorite cheese for cooking?
Perfect for Busy Nights
This is the king of weeknight dinner ideas. You just brown the chicken, then add everything else. In twenty minutes, you have a full meal. It feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
That is why I call it an easy chicken alfredo recipe. It turns a hectic night into a calm one. This one pan chicken alfredo has saved my dinner time more than once. What makes a meal feel like a “hug” to you?
Gather Around the Table
Recipes like this are about more than food. They are about bringing people together. This cheesy chicken alfredo pasta is a surefire family dinner recipes winner. Everyone seems to smile when it is served.
That matters most of all. A shared meal builds memories. It is not fancy, but it is made with care. I hope this recipe finds its way to your table often.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 Tablespoons | |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 3 | Diced into bite-sized pieces |
| Salt and pepper | to taste | |
| Italian seasoning | ½ teaspoon | |
| Minced garlic | 2 teaspoons | |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups | |
| Heavy cream | 1½ cups | |
| Penne pasta | 2 cups | Uncooked |
| Dried basil | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 2 cups | |
| Shredded Mozzarella cheese | ¾ cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Grab your big skillet. Pour in the olive oil and warm it up. Now, add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and that Italian seasoning. The sizzle is the best sound! This is the start of your easy chicken alfredo recipe.
Step 2: Let the chicken cook until it gets little golden spots. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Cook it for just one more minute. (A hard-learned tip: don’t let the garlic burn, or it turns bitter!).
Step 3: Here’s where the magic happens for this one pot pasta recipes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the uncooked penne and dried basil. Give it a good stir and let it boil. Then, cover it and simmer. In about 15 minutes, your pasta will be tender. Perfect for 30 minute meals!
Step 4: Take the pan off the heat. Now, for the cheesy chicken pasta part! Stir in all that grated Parmesan and mozzarella. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy alfredo sauce. I still laugh at how fast my grandson appears when I do this. What’s your favorite cheese for homemade alfredo sauce? Share below!
Creative Twists
Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy pop. Swap the penne for fun-shaped pasta, like rotini or farfalle. Stir in a handful of fresh spinach right at the end. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This one pan chicken alfredo is a complete meal. But I love a simple green salad on the side. Some garlic bread is wonderful for soaking up the extra creamy sauce. For a heartier family dinner recipes night, try it with my crispy air fryer chicken strips on top! Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Perfect
This one pot chicken alfredo is a dream for leftovers. Let it cool completely before storing. I use a big glass container with a tight lid. It keeps in the fridge for three days. For longer storage, freeze it in single portions. This makes a perfect quick lunch later in the week.
Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth. Stir it often to keep that creamy alfredo sauce smooth. I once reheated it too fast and the sauce broke. A little patience brings it right back to life. This is why batch cooking this easy chicken alfredo recipe is a lifesaver.
Making a double batch saves so much time. You get a fantastic family dinner now and a ready meal for a busy night. It matters because it gives you a night off from cooking. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below! For another great make-ahead meal, try this slow cooker chicken noodle soup.
Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems
Even simple one pan chicken alfredo can have hiccups. First, if your pasta is still hard, add a little hot water. Cover the pan again and let it steam for a few minutes. I remember when I was in a rush and didn’t let it simmer long enough. A little extra liquid and time fixed it right up.
Second, if your sauce seems too thin, let it sit off the heat. The pasta will soak up more liquid as it rests. This matters because a perfect texture makes the meal feel special. Third, if your chicken is bland, season it well right at the start. Salt and pepper make all the flavors sing.
Getting the seasoning right builds your cooking confidence. You learn to trust your own taste. Which of these problems have you run into before? For a different kind of easy chicken, these crispy air fryer chicken strips are foolproof. *Fun fact: Letting pasta sit after cooking is called “carryover cooking.” It really works!
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How do I get my Alfredo sauce to thicken?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The heat will cook off extra liquid. Stir in a little extra grated Parmesan cheese off the heat. Cheese melts and helps create a thick, creamy alfredo sauce. This is the best way to thicken your homemade alfredo sauce for a perfect family dinner.
What can I add to jar Alfredo sauce to make it thicker?
You can add cream cheese or more grated Parmesan. Let the sauce warm up in a pan first. Then stir in your chosen ingredient until it melts. This will give your jar sauce a richer, thicker texture. It’s a great shortcut for busy weeknight dinner ideas.
How to thicken Alfredo without flour or cornstarch?
Use the power of cheese and reduction. Simmer your sauce to reduce it. Then, remove it from the heat. Whisk in a handful of finely grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce beautifully. This method keeps your one pot pasta recipes gluten-free and extra creamy.
Can I add flour to my Alfredo sauce to make it thicker?
Yes, but you must cook the flour first. Mix a tablespoon of flour with melted butter. Cook for one minute to remove the raw taste. Then slowly whisk in your cream. This makes a roux, a classic thickener for many sauces, including this cheesy chicken pasta.
What to do if your Alfredo sauce is too watery?
First, let the dish rest for five minutes. The pasta absorbs liquid. If it’s still thin, simmer it uncovered. Stir often until it reaches your desired thickness. Adding a bit more cheese at the end also helps. This saves your one pot cheesy chicken alfredo every time.
What helps thicken Alfredo sauce?
Simmering, cheese, and patience are your best tools. Letting the sauce cook reduces it. Adding Parmesan or cream cheese at the end adds body. For 30 minute meals, start with less broth. The pasta will release starch as it cooks, which naturally thickens your creamy alfredo sauce. Which tip will you try first? For more saucy ideas, this slow cooker honey garlic chicken is a favorite.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy one pot meal. It reminds me of cooking for my own busy family. The best recipes are the ones that bring everyone to the table. I would love to hear about your cooking adventures in the comments.
Have you tried this recipe? Tell me how it turned out for you. Maybe you added a favorite herb or used a different pasta shape. Sharing our stories makes the kitchen feel warmer. For another classic family dinner recipe, my grandma’s chicken noodle soup is always a hug in a bowl.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet
Description
A rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and penne pasta in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add oil to large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and season with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Saute for 2-3 minutes or until chicken starts to lightly brown. Add in garlic and saute for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, cream, pasta and basil and mix to combine. Bring to a boil, then cover pan and reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and add Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and fully mixed in.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Fresh basil can be used in place of dried for garnish.