Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Skillet chicken Alfredo pasta is a creamy, rich, and satisfying one-pan meal that features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky Parmesan Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting dinner option that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Everything is cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup, and the creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and tender pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic
• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Broccoli or spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Slice chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add uncooked pasta and pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix to combine.
7. Add steamed broccoli or spinach if using.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Substitute shrimp or sausage for chicken.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra depth.
• Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Replace cream with milk and a bit of flour for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, simply add it at the end to warm through before serving.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne or rotini work well for even cooking and sauce absorption.

Can I make it without cream?

You can use milk and thicken with a small amount of flour or cream cheese.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta in the skillet?

Cooking the pasta in the sauce infuses it with flavor and saves dishes, but you can cook it separately if preferred.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients and cook shortly before serving.

Is Parmesan necessary?

It’s essential for the traditional Alfredo flavor. Use real Parmesan for best results.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce reduces too much during simmering.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, broccoli, peas, spinach, or bell peppers work well.

What can I serve with this dish?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the richness perfectly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Skillet chicken Alfredo pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that delivers bold flavor in a simple, convenient format. With its rich sauce and tender ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings or cozy family dinners. This one-skillet recipe proves that homemade comfort food can be both easy and delicious.

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