Description
A rich, creamy, and garlic-forward chicken alfredo made in a single pot for easy cleanup. This 30-minute weeknight dinner features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky sauce without the fuss of multiple pans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced fresh garlic and granulated garlic to the pot. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add uncooked pasta and submerge it into the liquid. Add more broth or water if needed to cover.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the seared chicken and its juices. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Grate your own parmesan cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one-pot meal, chicken alfredo, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, family friendly, comfort food