When life gets busy, dinner often becomes the most stressful part of the day. This One Pan Chicken Alfredo is the perfect solution for moms who want something delicious, comforting, and fast without the extra dishes. It is creamy, flavorful, and made entirely in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
What makes this recipe so loved is the combination of juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It tastes restaurant quality but comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients
This one pan recipe keeps things simple and uses everyday staples you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Chicken breast, sliced
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Fettuccine or penne pasta
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (optional)
Key Ingredients
• Chicken gives the dish protein and adds delicious flavor to the Alfredo sauce as it cooks.
• Heavy cream creates the signature creamy base that makes Alfredo so comforting.
• Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce naturally and adds a salty, cheesy richness.
• Garlic brings warmth and depth to every bite.
• Chicken broth helps cook the pasta directly in the sauce for extra flavor.
Optional Add Ons or Variations
• Add mushrooms for more texture
• Mix in spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition
• Use shrimp instead of chicken
• Add chili flakes for heat
• Swap heavy cream for half and half for a lighter version
• Sprinkle mozzarella on top for a cheesier finish
Step by Step Instructions
This dish comes together quickly since everything cooks in one pan. The pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks, giving the meal the perfect creamy consistency.
Preparation Steps
• Slice the chicken into thin strips
• Mince the garlic
• Measure out pasta, broth, and cream
• Grate fresh Parmesan
• Heat your large skillet or pan
Cooking Steps
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan and cook the chicken until lightly golden.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add the pasta directly into the pan, making sure it is mostly submerged.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer while stirring occasionally until the pasta softens and absorbs some of the sauce.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the sauce thickens naturally.
- Top with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with a simple side salad
• Add garlic bread for an easy pairing
• Garnish with extra Parmesan
• Enjoy with roasted vegetables
• Sprinkle parsley or basil for color
Tips, Substitutions and Notes
These helpful tips make the recipe even easier and prevent common issues like sticky pasta or overly thick sauce.
Pro Tips for Better Results
• Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce
• Add extra broth if the sauce becomes too thick
• Cook the chicken in thin slices so it cooks quickly
• Let the dish rest so the sauce sets perfectly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using pre shredded cheese which melts poorly
• Overcooking the pasta until mushy
• Adding too much salt before the sauce reduces
• Keeping the heat too high which can curdle the cream
• Skipping the resting time before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
• Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey
• Use penne or fusilli instead of fettuccine
• Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk
• Replace Parmesan with pecorino for a sharper flavor
• Use vegetable broth for a lighter taste
Texture, Flavor or Health Variations
• Add broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients
• Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber
• Add lemon zest for brightness
• Sprinkle mozzarella for a creamy top layer
• Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy version
Storage and Reheating
This dish stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigeration
• Store in airtight containers
• Keeps fresh for up to 3 or 4 days
• Add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess
Freezing
• Freeze in portion containers
• Best used within 1 month
• Sauce may thicken after freezing but can be revived with cream or milk
Reheating
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or milk
• In the microwave, heat in short intervals while stirring
• Do not overheat to avoid separating the sauce
Nutrition
A typical serving provides:
• Around 500 to 650 calories
• 30 to 35 grams of protein
• 45 to 55 grams of carbohydrates
• 20 to 30 grams of fat
Conclusion
This One Pan Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dinner for busy moms who want something quick, creamy, and comforting without a pile of dishes. It is full of flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a family favorite that makes weeknights feel a little easier and a lot more delicious.