One-Pot Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan
A quick, creamy chicken Alfredo pasta cooked in one pot with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of cream for a satisfying dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until cheese melts and coats the pasta and chicken.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan 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 Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan?
Italian chicken 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.
