Description
This Simple One-Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy rich Alfredo sauce all made in one pan. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights. Mild in flavor and easily customizable, it’s a family favorite that delivers indulgence and convenience without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk or heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Seasoning
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or preferred pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. This develops the base flavor for the Alfredo sauce.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk or cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta, spreading it evenly across the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the creamy liquid.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to your liking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve directly from the skillet for an easy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Monitor the pasta closely to avoid overcooking as it continues to soften in the sauce.
- Stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta and preserve the creamy texture.
- Use room temperature milk to help prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after cooking to naturally thicken the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-skillet stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken Alfredo, one skillet pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe