Simple One-Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta That Doubles as a High Protein Dinner Recipe
There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and for me, simple one-skillet chicken alfredo pasta is absolutely one of them. As someone who cooks almost every day, I’m always searching for meals that hit three major goals: they need to be comfort food, protein packed, and realistic for a busy weeknight. This recipe checks every box.
I still remember the first time I tested this dish in my kitchen. It was one of those evenings when I wanted something creamy and indulgent, but I also didn’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes or a recipe that took an hour to come together. One skillet, a handful of simple ingredients, and a craving for Italian inspired flavors led to this cozy, satisfying pasta that has since become a staple in my home.
This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s also one of my favorite high protein dinner recipes to recommend because it proves that eating well doesn’t have to feel restrictive or boring.
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Why This Is One of the Best High Protein Dinner Recipes
When people hear “Alfredo pasta,” they often assume it’s overly heavy or lacking in nutritional balance. But this version is intentionally built to be protein packed while still delivering that classic creamy comfort food experience.
Chicken breast provides a lean, filling protein base, while Parmesan cheese and milk add both richness and extra protein. Cooking everything in one pot allows the pasta to absorb flavor directly from the sauce, meaning you don’t need excessive amounts of cream or butter to get that silky texture.
In my own experience, this meal keeps me full and satisfied far longer than most pasta dishes. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but supports a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Italian Inspired Flavors, Made Simple
This recipe is deeply Italian inspired, drawing from classic Alfredo elements like garlic, Parmesan, and creaminess — but adapted for modern, busy cooks. I love recipes like this because they honor traditional flavors while still fitting into real life.
Instead of boiling pasta separately and making sauce in another pan, everything comes together in one skillet. The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, creating that luxurious, creamy finish without extra steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how approachable the ingredient list is. Everything is easy to find, and there’s nothing fancy or intimidating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 12 ounces (340 g) dry pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 2 cups (180 g) broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: red pepper flakes for serving
How to Make Simple One-Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta
If you’re new to one-pot cooking, this recipe is a great place to start. The steps are simple, and the payoff is huge.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits.
- Cook the pasta: Add dry pasta directly to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli: Stir in broccoli during the last 4–5 minutes of cooking so it stays bright and tender.
- Finish creamy: Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
The result is a rich, cohesive dish that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.
Kitchen Tools That Make This Recipe Even Easier
Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools can truly elevate your cooking experience. Here are three Amazon favorites I personally recommend for making this and other one-skillet meals.
1. SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid
A deep, wide nonstick skillet is essential for one pot meals like this. It allows pasta to cook evenly and prevents sticking while keeping cleanup minimal.
Why I love it: It distributes heat evenly and makes creamy sauces effortless.
👉 Check price and reviews on Amazon
2. Martha Stewart Sprucedale Stainless Steel 4-Sided Box Grater
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes far superior to pre-shredded cheese. A sturdy box grater is one of those small investments that makes a big difference.
Why I love it: Better melt, better flavor, better texture.
👉 Get this grater on Amazon
3. Silicone Cooking Spoon Set
When cooking creamy pasta, silicone utensils help prevent scratching your skillet and make stirring thick sauces easy.
Why I love it: Heat-resistant, gentle on cookware, and easy to clean.
👉 Shop this utensil set on Amazon
How to Make It Healthier Without Losing Comfort
This dish already leans healthy, but there are easy ways to lighten it further. You can swap whole milk for 2% milk, use whole wheat or high-protein pasta, or add extra broccoli for more fiber.
In my kitchen, I often add even more vegetables when I have them on hand. This keeps the dish filling while maintaining that creamy, cozy comfort food feel.
Quick Variations for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is endlessly flexible. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas. You can also increase the chicken for an even more protein packed meal.
It’s one of those recipes that adapts beautifully to whatever is already in your fridge — perfect for a truly quick weeknight solution.
Aesthetic Serving Tips
Let’s talk presentation. This pasta is naturally photogenic, making it ideal for an aesthetic dinner moment or even sharing on Pinterest or Instagram.
Serve it in a shallow bowl, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a touch of parsley. That simple finish makes it look restaurant-worthy every time.
Final Thoughts
This simple one-skillet chicken alfredo pasta is proof that comfort food and high protein dinner recipes can exist beautifully together. It’s creamy, satisfying, Italian inspired, and practical enough for real life.
As someone who tests recipes constantly, this is one I genuinely return to again and again. It never fails to deliver comfort, nourishment, and that feeling of sitting down to a meal made with care — even on the busiest nights.
If you’re looking for a cozy, reliable, and delicious dinner, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
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