Name: Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 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); 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups sun-dried tomatoes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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This one pot chicken alfredo with jar sauce is pure weeknight dinner magic! With just one pot and 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that your whole family will request again and again. It’s my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet absolutely delicious, and the best part? Clean-up is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Alfredo

Quick 30-minute dinner (perfect for busy weeknights!)
Everything cooks in one pot
Extra cheesy with two types of cheese
No fancy ingredients needed
Customizable with your favorite add-ins
Perfect base recipe (similar to my easy baked ziti)
Family-friendly comfort food

Let me tell you – this recipe is a pure genius shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor! The jarred alfredo sauce creates the dreamiest, creamiest base, while Italian dressing adds the perfect savory kick to the chicken. I love tossing in sun-dried tomatoes for little bursts of intense flavor, but that’s completely optional. The combination of fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melts into the most luxurious sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

What makes this recipe extra special is how forgiving it is. Don’t stress if some pasta pieces get a bit toastier than others – that’s totally normal and adds a wonderful texture variety! You can swap in different pasta shapes, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or add your favorite veggies. Think of this as your blank canvas for creating the perfect family dinner.

The best part? While the end result tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, it’s actually one of the easiest meals you’ll ever make. Just one pot, minimal prep, and dinner is served!

Ingredients Overview: Building Our Creamy Masterpiece

Let me walk you through each ingredient that makes this chicken alfredo absolutely irresistible! Just like my favorite marry me pasta, we’re creating something truly special here.

Jarred Alfredo Sauce: I know some might raise an eyebrow at using store-bought sauce, but trust me here! It’s our secret weapon for a quick dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Choose a high-quality brand – I love Rao’s or Bertolli. The jarred sauce provides the perfect base of cream, parmesan, and garlic that we’ll build upon.
Chicken Breasts: These provide the protein foundation of our dish. I prefer breasts because they stay tender when cooked properly, but chicken thighs work beautifully too – they’re actually more forgiving if you’re newer to cooking!
Italian Dressing: This is my favorite shortcut for instant flavor! The oil-based dressing (not creamy) infuses the chicken with herbs and seasonings in one simple step. Plus, the oil helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Fresh Cheese Blend: We’re using both mozzarella and parmesan here, and please, please grate them yourself! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into that gorgeously smooth sauce we’re after.

Success Tips & Tricks

Just like my creamy parmesan soup, getting the texture just right makes all the difference! Here are my tested tips for perfection:

Watch Your Pasta: The magic of one-pot cooking means your pasta will cook differently throughout the pan. Don’t worry if some pieces get a bit more al dente than others – it adds wonderful texture contrast!
Temperature Control: Keep your heat at medium-low once the sauce goes in. Too high heat can cause the alfredo to separate, while too low won’t let the pasta cook properly.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water (about 2-3 tablespoons at a time). Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally.
Resting Period: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken perfectly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this incredibly creamy one-pot chicken alfredo! I’ve made this countless times and learned all the tricks for getting it just right.

Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup Italian dressing in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. The Italian dressing gives such wonderful flavor, just like in my chicken marsala fettuccine!
Add the Pasta: Pour in 3 cups of water and your pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will start absorbing that amazing chicken-flavored liquid.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the jar of alfredo sauce and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything starts getting nice and creamy.
Add the Cheese: This is my favorite part! Sprinkle in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Stir until melted and perfectly creamy. If desired, add sun-dried tomatoes now.

Recipe Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is! Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

Veggie Additions: Try adding broccoli, peas, or mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It reminds me of my chicken spaghetti with rotel, where vegetables add such nice color and texture!
Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Pasta Options: While I love penne, any short pasta works beautifully. For a refreshing twist, try it cold like my favorite caesar pasta salad.
Sauce Variations: Mix in some pesto or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Sometimes I’ll even stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.

Pro Tip: When adding vegetables, consider their cooking times. Broccoli needs about 5 minutes, while spinach only needs 1-2 minutes to wilt perfectly into the sauce.

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken alfredo ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this up to 2 days in advance. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy texture. Just remember the pasta may be a bit softer when reheated.

What if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick during cooking, simply stir in a little pasta water or milk, about 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water works magic in creating that silky smooth texture!

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! While I love the mozzarella and Parmesan combo, you could try provolone or even fontina for something different. Just like in my Philly cheesesteak pasta skillet, switching up cheeses can create exciting new flavors!

Why isn’t my sauce thickening?

Make sure you’re simmering, not boiling, the sauce. If it’s still not thickening, let it cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The cheese will also help thicken things up as it melts.

Final Thoughts

This one-pot chicken alfredo has become such a staple in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to love it too! The beauty of using jarred sauce is that it gives you restaurant-quality results without spending hours in the kitchen. Every time I make this, my family practically licks their plates clean!

Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t worry if your first try isn’t perfect – that’s how we learn and grow in the kitchen! I’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe and any creative twists you add to make it your own. Happy cooking, friends! 🧡

CHICKEN ALFREDO RECIPE WITH JAR SAUCE