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Cozy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Best Easy Dinner

one-pot creamy chicken alfredo pasta - featured image

A creamy, comforting one-pot chicken alfredo pasta that comes together in a single pot with no draining needed. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tender chicken, a silky Parmesan sauce, and fettuccine cooked directly in the broth for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine, broken in half if desired
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer; season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If pot looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth.
  3. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup whole milk. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add fettuccine to the pot, pressing down gently to submerge. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be al dente.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Add grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir vigorously until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth. Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir until melted.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the pot, including any juices. Gently fold chicken into pasta until combined. Let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the nutmeg—it adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the creaminess. Use low heat when simmering the pasta to prevent milk from curdling. Always grate your own Parmesan cheese for a smooth sauce. Stir the pasta every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. If sauce is too thin, let it sit off heat for 5 minutes to thicken naturally. If too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk.

Nutrition

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