Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe with jar Sauce​

There are days when even thinking about making dinner feels like too much. We’ve all been there—standing in front of the fridge, tired, hungry, and trying to magically summon something delicious out of thin air. That’s exactly where this easy chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce​ comes in, saving the evening (and your sanity).

It’s cozy, creamy, and made with pantry staples—aka dinner MVPs. Plus, it’s got just enough of that “wow” factor (hello, gooey cheese and sun-dried tomatoes!) to make it feel like something extra without any extra work. Whether you’ve got picky eaters or just need a no-fuss meal after a long day, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce​

Let’s be honest: “Alfredo” can sound a little fancy, right? But this recipe flips that script in the best way. It’s not only easy—it’s a kind of genius. The jarred sauce keeps things simple, the chicken and pasta make it hearty, and the added touches (like Italian dressing and melty mozzarella) bring major flavor without extra effort.

Bonus: you only need one pan (yes, even with dry pasta!), so cleanup is a breeze. More time for wine, laundry, or flopping onto the couch—your choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why You Need Them)

• Italian dressing (not creamy): For a zippy, flavorful start that seasons the chicken as it cooks.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for quicker cooking and easier bites.
• Dry penne pasta: No need to pre-cook—toss it into the pan.
• Jarred Alfredo sauce (or homemade if you’re feelin’ fancy): The creamy heart of the dish.
• Dried oregano: Adds an earthy Italian flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Everything needs a good balance of seasoning.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: We all secretly live for that melty, stretchy cheese layer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that’s… chef’s kiss.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (optional but recommended): Sweet, tangy pops of flavor that take this dish up a notch.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herby finish, the dish looks gorgeous.

Psst: The full ingredient list with measurements is below the recipe card—so don’t stress.

Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step

Sauté the Chicken:
Grab your biggest skillet (or a stockpot if that’s what you’ve got) and heat up the Italian dressing over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s just golden and cooked through—about 5 minutes.

Add Pasta + Sauce:
Stir in the dry pasta and pour in that whole jar of Alfredo sauce. Then, fill the empty jar with water and add it to the pan. If you’re using a stockpot, just use about 2 cups of water. Sprinkle in the oregano and more salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer Time:
Bring the whole thing to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it cook for about 15 minutes—or until your pasta is perfectly tender.

Mix in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
This is your flavor booster moment! Stir them in and let them mingle with all that creamy, herby goodness.

Top with Cheese:
Now for the best part—scatter the Parmesan and mozzarella over the top. Don’t stir! Just let it sit and melt for a few minutes. Want that bubbly, golden cheese effect? Pop the skillet under the broiler for 4 minutes. Worth it.

Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top, serve it up hot, and enjoy every creamy bite.

Katherine’s Tip Jar

• Out of penne? Use any short pasta you have—rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni- and it will work fine.
• Don’t love sun-dried tomatoes? No biggie—leave them out or swap in fresh cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach.
• Want a bit more kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the chicken.
• Double the cheese, double the love. There’s no judgment here.

A Quick Story from My Kitchen

This dish became my weeknight hero during one of those everything-is-chaos weeks: work deadlines, school projects, and zero groceries. I found a lonely jar of Alfredo sauce, some chicken in the freezer, and a box of pasta. With a little help from my flavor friends (Italian dressing and dried herbs), dinner was not only saved—it was devoured.

Now, it’s on regular rotation at our house. Even my picky middle kid asks for seconds (and trust me, that never happens with anything green).

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

Absolutely! Try cooked shrimp, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yep! Any pasta that cooks in about 10-12 minutes will work here. Just keep an eye on the texture.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just trying to get something warm and satisfying on the table fast, this easy chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce is the meal that checks all the boxes. Creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes—everything you need right when needed.

And hey, if dinner ends with clean plates and no complaints? That’s a win in any kitchen.

Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe with jar Sauce​

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• Author: Katherine
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This easy chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce is the ultimate creamy, comforting pasta dish that comes together in just one skillet! With tender chicken, penne pasta, jarred Alfredo, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect go-to weeknight dinner—no fancy ingredients or cooking skills needed.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons Italian dressing not the creamy kind

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed

16 ounces dry penne pasta (1 box)

24 ounces Alfredo sauce (1 jar or 3 cups if using homemade)

1 tablespoon dried oregano

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1½ cups sun-dried tomatoes optional

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

• Cook the Chicken
  Heat Italian dressing in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

• Add Pasta and Sauce
  Pour in the dry pasta, Alfredo sauce, and water. Stir in the dried oregano along with more salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine.

• Simmer Everything
  Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

• Stir in Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  If using, add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir well to combine with the pasta and sauce.

• Add the Cheesy Topping
  Sprinkle Parmesan first, then mozzarella on top. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or broil uncovered for 4 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

• Garnish and Serve
  Top with chopped fresh parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes

You can swap the penne for any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni.

For a lighter version, try using light Alfredo sauce and less cheese.

To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add mushrooms or broccoli instead.

Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Easy Chicken Recipes
• Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ to 2 cups
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1020mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: easy chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce, creamy chicken pasta, one pot alfredo, chicken alfredo skillet, jar alfredo recipe, quick pasta dinner, family-friendly pasta