When life gets hectic and time is of the essence, there's nothing quite like a simple and delicious one-pan meal to come to the rescue. Our "Weeknight Dinner Perfection: Chicken Alfredo in One Pan" recipe is the epitome of convenience without compromising on flavor. Creamy, comforting, and ready in no time, this dish combines tender chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce into a culinary masterpiece that's perfect for busy weeknights.
![A plated Chicken Alfredo Pasta dish showing tender fettuccine pasta coated in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with pieces of chicken breast. The dish is garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper, served on a white plate. The plate is on a dining table with warm lighting.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Weeknight-Dinner-Perfection-Chicken-Alfredo-in-One-Pan.png)
In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create a homemade chicken Alfredo that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. The best part? It all comes together in a single skillet, minimizing the cleanup while maximizing the satisfaction of your dinner table. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a busy professional seeking a hassle-free meal, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let's dive into the world of creamy comfort with our "Weeknight Dinner Perfection: Chicken Alfredo in One Pan."
Ingredients
![Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Pasta arranged on a kitchen counter. Includes chicken breast pieces, uncooked fettuccine, chicken broth, heavy cream, a block of Parmesan cheese with a grater, garlic cloves, and butter. Salt and pepper in a small dish, all on a wooden cutting board and counter.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Weeknight-Dinner-Perfection-Chicken-Alfredo-in-One-Pan-Ingredients.png)
- Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fettuccine pasta
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Cloves of garlic, minced
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
![A skillet on a stove with melted butter and minced garlic being sautéed, indicating the first step in making Chicken Alfredo Pasta.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Melting-Butter-and-Sauteing-Garlic.png)
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute.
![A skillet on a stove with pieces of chicken being cooked until they are no longer pink, focusing on the process of cooking chicken for Chicken Alfredo Pasta.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cooking-Chicken-Pieces.png)
Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are no longer pink.
![An empty skillet on a stove beside a plate holding only cooked chicken pieces. The image captures the step where the cooked chicken is removed from the skillet and set aside in the Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe. The focus is on the empty skillet and the plate with the cooked chicken, set in a warm kitchen background.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cooked-Chicken-Set-Aside.png)
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
![A skillet on a stove with chicken broth and fettuccine pasta being cooked, focusing on the pasta absorbing the liquid for Chicken Alfredo Pasta.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cooking-Pasta-in-Chicken-Broth.png)
In the same skillet, add chicken broth and fettuccine pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
![A skillet on a stove with a creamy sauce being prepared by stirring in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating the Alfredo sauce for Chicken Alfredo Pasta](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Adding-Cream-and-Cheese.png)
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens.
![A skillet on a stove with Chicken Alfredo Pasta being finalized, showing cooked chicken mixed with creamy Alfredo sauce, seasoned with salt and pepper.](https://www.thehealthyprofessional.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Combining-Chicken-with-Alfredo-Sauce.png)
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Hint: To prevent the pasta from sticking together while cooking in the skillet, stir it occasionally and ensure there's enough liquid in the pan. If needed, you can add a splash of chicken broth or hot water to maintain the desired consistency of the sauce and pasta. This simple step will help you achieve perfectly cooked, non-clumpy fettuccine Alfredo every time!
Substitutions
If you know how to make the recipe fit a certain diet, let the reader know here. Don't fake it - only provide guidance on topics you have actual experience with.
- Lettuce - instead of ice berg lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce or spinach
- Bun - use gluten free buns instead of white bread buns to make this gluten free
- Vegetarian - the beef hamburger can be replaced with a plant-based burger to make this vegetarian
Even if your reader doesn't follow a specific diet (eg. gluten free), they may have friends or family that they're cooking for that could use this. This is also a great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Variations
Creamy Cajun - To give your dish a spicy kick, add a Cajun twist by mixing in a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the Alfredo sauce. The combination of creamy and spicy flavors will tantalize your taste buds.
Garlic and Mushroom - For a rich and earthy variation, sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in butter before adding them to the Alfredo sauce. The earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic will add depth and flavor to your Chicken Alfredo.
Equipment
- Skillet with Lid
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Grater (I definitely recommend this one)
- Aluminum Foil (if no lid)
These essential kitchen tools will make preparing your Chicken Alfredo in one pan a breeze.
Top tip
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, basil, or chives to your finished Chicken Alfredo just before serving. These herbs not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also provide a refreshing and aromatic touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Fresh herbs add a layer of complexity and freshness to the dish, elevating it to restaurant-quality levels. Don't forget to sprinkle them on top as a garnish before serving to impress your family or guests with the finishing touch!
FAQ
Yes, you can definitely customize this recipe with your favorite pasta. While fettuccine works beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce, you can use linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions, as different types of pasta may have varying cooking times.
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute heavy cream with alternatives like half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk. Keep in mind that using a lower-fat option may result in a slightly less creamy sauce, but it will still be delicious. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences, and you can enjoy a lighter yet flavorful Chicken Alfredo.
Weeknight Dinner Perfection: Chicken Alfredo in One Pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and fettuccine pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together while cooking, stir it occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency of the sauce.
- Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra color and nutrition.
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