Craving creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce but dreading the cleanup? This one-pan chicken Alfredo recipe is your answer! It's quick, easy, and delivers all the comforting flavors of classic Alfredo without the mountain of dishes. Get ready to impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make.
What Makes This One-Pan Chicken Alfredo Recipe So Special?
This recipe transcends the typical one-pan wonder. It's not just about convenience; it's about achieving perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, all while infusing the pasta with the rich, decadent flavor of the Alfredo sauce. The secret? We use a little cooking liquid to create a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and tender chicken. No more separating cooking steps – everything comes together in one pan for effortless cleanup.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta (or other long pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet (at least 12 inches) over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Pasta: Add pasta to the skillet with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add enough chicken broth or water to just barely cover the pasta (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until pasta is almost cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
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Create the Alfredo Sauce: Stir in minced garlic to the pasta and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, and stir in Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine and Finish: Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy Alfredo sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is a classic choice for Alfredo, you can certainly use other long pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using reduced-fat heavy cream or a combination of heavy cream and milk. You can also add some vegetables like broccoli florets or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then combine and heat through when ready to serve. The pasta is best cooked fresh to avoid it becoming mushy.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
What are some great side dishes to serve with this one-pan chicken Alfredo?
A simple side salad or some crusty bread are perfect complements to this rich and creamy dish.
This one-pan chicken Alfredo recipe is a true weeknight winner. Its simplicity, deliciousness, and minimal cleanup make it a go-to meal for busy families and those who appreciate a satisfying, flavorful dinner without the fuss. Enjoy!
