How to make a simple, one-pan chicken alfredo recipe

While many of us might think "Italy" when we talk about pasta, the truth is that much of the cuisine we associate with that region initially started in Rome (before Italian unification). Alfredo sauce falls into this category — while there's a popular story of a man named Alfredo making pasta for his wife, Serious Eats writes that "Ever since the 15th century, Romans have been eating pasta with a simple light cheese sauce made directly in the pot with the pasta."

This recipe likely varies a bit from Alfredo's (and it certainly varies a bit from the Roman variety), but given the time it takes to make, you won't hear any complaints. Kidspot came up with the recipe, and we've included it right here. They've made a video that we've included at the bottom of the page, but we've also broken it all out into steps beforehand, in case you don't feel like watching right now. 

Recipe from Kidspot

— 2 tbsp olive oil
— 600g diced chicken breast
— 3 cloves garlic, crushed
— 1L (4 cups) water
— 1 x 300ml carton pouring cream
— 250g penne pasta
— 2 tbsp chicken stock powder
— 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
— 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

The chef starts by browning her chicken. She uses a little olive oil to grease the pan, and once the chicken has cooked a bit, she adds her minced garlic. 

After your garlic has been in the pan for about a minute, Kidspot Kitchen writes that it's time to add your chicken stock powder to the pan, along with your pasta, water, and cream. When your food starts boiling, "reduce heat to simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente."

What would an alfredo sauce be without the cheese? Not much — and that's why we're adding a bowl full of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

When the cheese has melted into the sauce, it's time for the final touch — parsley, and more parmesan. Be sure to check out the clip below to get a gander at the finished product!

Were you inspired by this recipe? What changes might you make to make it your own? Let us know in the comments, and when you're done, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook. They might like it even more than you did!