Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce blended with parmesan cheese. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup and delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter and cook chicken: Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook pasta: Add the pasta directly into the pot. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid, about 12-15 minutes depending on pasta type.
- Incorporate parmesan cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Season and garnish: Taste and add salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Consider adding vegetables such as broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms along with the chicken for added nutrition and variety.
- If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it with a splash of additional chicken broth or cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately as the sauce may thicken upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired