One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne
A creamy one-pot pasta featuring tender chicken breast pieces simmered with penne in a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 (about 12 oz total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
- Step 2: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Add 10 oz penne pasta to the pot, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
