Remembering the Weeknight Struggle
I remember those evenings well. I walked in the door, tired from work, and heard the familiar question, “What’s for dinner?” My fridge often looked empty. I wanted something quick, tasty, and easy. I didn’t want to spend an hour cooking or cleaning a pile of dishes.
My Personal Breakthrough
Then, a friend told me about her “dump and go” pasta recipe. My mind was blown. Could a delicious meal really be this simple? I tried it with chicken alfredo, and it became an instant hit. No more dinner dilemmas.
Your New Go-To
Now, I want to share this secret with you. Get ready for a stress-free, incredibly satisfying meal that will become your new go-to. This recipe will save your weeknights.
Unbeatable Simplicity
This recipe is truly “dump and go.” You put the ingredients in a pot, cook, and serve. Minimal effort, maximum reward.
Flavor That Fooled Everyone
You won’t believe how rich and creamy this dish tastes. Even though it’s easy, it tastes like it took hours to make. Your family will think you cooked all day.
Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Joy
This recipe uses one pot. That means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. Who doesn’t want that?
Family-Friendly Favorite
Picky eaters approved! My kids ask for this Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo all the time. It’s cheesy, creamy, and comforting. It’s a winner for everyone.
Budget-Conscious
All the ingredients are common and affordable. You can make a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Pantry Staples & Fresh Finds
Here is what you need for this simple recipe.
Proteins
- Chicken breast (raw, cut into bite-sized pieces). You can also use cooked shredded chicken.
Pasta
- Fettuccine or similar pasta (like penne or rotini) that holds sauce well.
Dairy & Sauce Bases
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese (for extra creaminess!)
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley
Prep Like a Pro (Minimal Prep, Promise!)
First, cut your raw chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. This is the main prep work.
The “Dump” Phase
Layering is important. Put your dried pasta in the bottom of a large pot or slow cooker. Then, add the chicken pieces on top of the pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
The “Go” Phase
Set and Forget (Stovetop Option)
On the stove, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Set and Forget (Slow Cooker Option)
If using a slow cooker, cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking. The pasta should be tender.
The Grand Finale
Once the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if you like.
Garnish and Serve
For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve hot.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic Bread: A classic and delicious pairing.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the Alfredo.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or asparagus are great choices.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or sundried tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Herbaceous Delight: Add fresh basil or thyme with the cream cheese.
- Protein Swaps: Use cooked shrimp (add at the end to heat through), cooked sausage, or for a vegetarian option, use drained chickpeas or white beans instead of chicken.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it is tender but still a little firm (al dente). Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Leftovers (If Any!): Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Reiterate the Ease and Deliciousness
This Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo truly lives up to its name. It’s incredibly easy, tastes amazing, and simplifies your weeknights.
Encourage the Reader to Try It
Do yourself a favor and try this recipe. You will love how simple and delicious it is.
Call to Action
Tell me in the comments below your favorite quick weeknight meal! Don’t forget to save this recipe!
A Promise of More
Stay tuned for more easy and delicious recipes that will make your life simpler.
Can I make Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and measure out ingredients beforehand. Cooking it just before serving is best for fresh pasta and sauce texture.
What’s the best pasta for Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo?
Fettuccine is traditional. However, penne, rotini, or even farfalle work well because they hold the creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken for this Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces. It might add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make my Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo sauce thicker or thinner?
To make it thicker, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. To make it thinner, stir in a small amount of extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is Dump & Go Chicken Alfredo freezer-friendly?
Cooked pasta dishes with creamy sauces do not always freeze well. The sauce can separate when thawed. It is best to eat this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers for a few days.
Dump & Go Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- Large pot
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast raw, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz fettuccine or similar pasta penne, rotini
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
- fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer dried pasta at the bottom of a large pot or slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the pasta.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- For stovetop, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
- For slow cooker, cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, stirring until pasta is tender.
- Once pasta and chicken are cooked, stir in softened cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.