Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet Pasta for Cozy Nights

Ever have one of those nights where you crave something deeply comforting but just don’t have the energy for a big production? You know the feeling. You want that classic, creamy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, but you also want to get it on the table without a sink full of dishes. That’s exactly why this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet Pasta is about to become your new best friend. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers on flavor and simplicity, making it the ultimate answer to your busy weeknight prayers.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is the whole package. First, it all comes together in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash—and who doesn’t love that? Second, it’s incredibly flexible. Got some veggies in the fridge that need using up? Toss them in. Want to make it a little lighter? We’ve got swaps for that, too. And the best part? It’s so, so comforting. That rich, creamy sauce clinging to every noodle, the tender bites of chicken, the little kick of garlic… it’s a meal that feels special without any of the fuss. Honestly, it’s the kind of easy meal that makes you feel like a weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: For lean, quick-cooking protein.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: To sauté our chicken and garlic.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic flavor base.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Creates our flavorful sauce base instead of wine.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For that signature rich and creamy Alfredo texture.
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta, broken in half: Breaks to fit in the skillet and cooks right in the sauce.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: For a little bit of warmth.
• 1/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A simple blend for herby notes.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to finish.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. You just want to wake it up, not burn it!
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the broken fettuccine, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender and the sauce will thicken nicely.
5. Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has reduced, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together until the chicken is reheated and coated in that gorgeous creamy sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. So good.

Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas You’ll Enjoy

If you’re looking for more easy healthy dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor, you’re in the right place. This skillet method is a fantastic starting point. Try swapping the fettuccine for whole wheat pasta or a legume-based pasta for an extra fiber boost. You can also stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end of cooking—it wilts perfectly into the warm sauce. For another quick dinner idea, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a veggie-packed version, stir in sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli florets with the garlic. If you’re avoiding dairy, use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative. No chicken? No problem. Diced smoked turkey sausage is a fantastic substitute that adds a similar smoky depth. And if you’re watching your carbs, zucchini noodles (zoodles) can be used—just add them in the last few minutes to heat through.

Pasta Cooking Tips for Perfect Texture

• Break the pasta! It feels wrong, I know, but breaking the long noodles ensures they all fit in the skillet and cook evenly.
• Stir regularly. This isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ situation. Giving the pasta a stir every five minutes prevents it from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Trust the simmer. A gentle simmer is all you need. If the heat is too high, the liquid will evaporate before the pasta has time to cook.
• Al dente is key. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce even after you turn off the heat, so aim for it to be just tender with a slight bite when you finish cooking.
• Don’t skip the Parmesan off the heat. Adding the cheese after you’ve turned off the burner helps it melt smoothly into the sauce without becoming grainy or seizing up.
• And remember, the sauce will thicken as it sits. It might look a little thin right when the pasta is done, but give it a minute—it’ll perfect itself.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to be absorbed by the pasta, so when reheating, you’ll need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up again. The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, bowties, or rigatoni all work great in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet Pasta. Just stick to a similar weight (8 oz) and adjust the cook time slightly if needed based on the package directions.
• How can I make this dish lighter? You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a much lighter option, try whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour, but honestly, the full cream version is my favorite for its decadent texture.
• Is this one of those cheap dinners for a family? It sure is! Chicken, pasta, and a few pantry staples are generally very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option that feels far from ordinary.
• My sauce seems too thin. What did I do wrong? Don’t worry! This happens. Simply let the pasta sit in the warm skillet for a few more minutes off the heat—it will continue to thicken. If it’s still too thin, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese will help tighten it up.