One Skillet Chicken Alfredo
If you need a comforting dinner on the table fast, this One Skillet Chicken Alfredo is the easy recipe to make. Ready in about 30 minutes, this creamy pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without juggling multiple pots.
This one-skillet meal combines golden chicken, tender penne pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. The pasta cooks directly in the skillet, absorbing flavor from the browned bits on the bottom of the pan, which is the best part of cooking everything together.
This simple one-pot chicken alfredo pasta is satisfying and built for real-life busy nights. If you love quick dinners, browse all of my 30 Minute Meals for more easy weeknight recipes.
Why This Is the Perfect 30 Minute Meal
Some skillet meals promise speed but sacrifice flavor. This easy chicken alfredo pasta recipe is a one pot meal the whole family will love. This pan chicken alfredo builds layers quickly:
- The chicken browns over medium-high heat for maximum flavor.
- Garlic sautés in the same pan, picking up those delicious caramelized bits.
- The pasta cooks directly in chicken broth — no separate pot of water needed.
- Heavy cream transforms into a silky sauce in just minutes.
- Parmesan cheese melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
Because everything cooks in one very large skillet, there’s one less thing to wash — and that’s a big deal on weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup butter (or olive oil)
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Essentials (affiliate link): Skillet | Pottery Bowls
How to Make One Skillet Chicken Alfredo
- Heat butter in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and golden. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest. Do not clean the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this flavor step creates the base of your Alfredo sauce.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the pasta cooks to al dente, about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and gently simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce with enough body to coat the pasta.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer about 5 minutes, until heated through and coated in the silky sauce.
- Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Keep the heat at medium once cream is added to prevent separation.
- Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover chicken alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
What Makes This Alfredo Different?
Unlike traditional Alfredo that requires boiling pasta separately, this one skillet chicken Alfredo allows the pasta to cook directly in chicken broth and cream. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch that helps naturally thicken the Alfredo sauce, creating a silky, creamy finish without extra steps.
Best Pasta to Use for Chicken Alfredo
Penne pasta works beautifully in this recipe because the ridges help the sauce cling. However, rotini, fettuccine, or other sturdy pasta shapes can also be used. Choose a type of pasta that holds sauce well for the best texture.
Can I Make This Ahead?
This pasta dish is best fresh, but it stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating leftover Alfredo pasta, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy sauce.
More 30 Minute Skillet Meals
- One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
- One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe
One Skillet Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet (3 1/2 QT)
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Do not clean the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and some of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer 5 minutes, until heated through and coated in sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for the smoothest Alfredo sauce.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen.
- Rotini or fettuccine can be substituted for penne pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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About Sarah
Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.
I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.
