Easy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Chef’s Tip: This easy one-pot chicken alfredo is a perfect weeknight meal that will satisfy your taste buds with minimal effort. Perfect for a family of 4, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes and serves as a comforting, heartwarming meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta once it is done.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts into the pot and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and set aside to cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same pot, add in the remaining butter along with garlic powder and dried oregano (if used). Stir frequently for about 30 seconds.
5. Slowly stir in the flour. Continue stirring for another minute or two until there are no more lumps of flour.
6. Pour in the whole milk, a little at a time, while constantly stirring to prevent any curdling from occurring. The sauce should start to thicken and become creamy as you continue adding the milk. Once it reaches your desired consistency, reduce heat slightly but keep it on low.
7. Return the sliced chicken back into the pot along with the cooked pasta. Stir gently until all components are well incorporated. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes just to ensure everything is warm throughout. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over top of each serving before serving hot.

Enjoy this comforting dish! The creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta and chicken, providing a rich flavor that will leave you satisfied. Serve it alongside a side salad for added freshness or some garlic bread to sop up every last drop of alfredo sauce left in your bowl. This versatile meal can be paired with various sides depending on your preference such as steamed vegetables or a crusty loaf of French bread.

Cooking Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Servings: Serves approximately 4 people

Tips for Success:

For the best results, ensure that you use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Using high-quality ingredients such as whole milk instead of skimmed will contribute to a richer flavor and creamier texture. Additionally, letting the pasta finish cooking in the same pot with chicken helps retain the warmth longer, ensuring that all elements stay at their optimal temperature.

Adjustments:

• If you prefer less garlic taste, reduce or omit using garlic powder completely.
• To add extra creaminess, consider adding a few tablespoons of heavy cream when blending in milk to reach your preferred consistency.

Variations:

1. Add mushrooms and/or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
2. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and simply use more pasta or vegetables such as broccoli florets.

In conclusion, this easy one-pot chicken alfredo recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or want to impress guests on special occasions, this dish has got it covered. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal choice in your culinary repertoire.