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One-Pot Chicken Alfredo for Under $5 (No Fancy Ingredients Needed!)
Craving rich, creamy Chicken Alfredo but don’t want to spend a fortune on ingredients? This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a budget-friendly twist on the classic dish—made with simple, affordable ingredients and no heavy cream required!
Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less mess, less effort, and more flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just need an easy weeknight dinner, this creamy, cheesy pasta will hit the spot—all for under $5!
🏆 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot = Less Cleanup! – Everything cooks in a single pot for ultimate convenience.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Costs less than $1.25 per serving!
✔ Super Creamy Without Heavy Cream – Uses milk & pasta starch for richness.
✔ Fast & Easy – Ready in 25 minutes.
✔ Customizable – Use whatever pasta & cheese you have!
🛒 What You’ll Need
This cheap & easy Alfredo uses staple ingredients you probably already have!
Main Ingredients:
✅ 1 large chicken breast (or 2 small, about ½ lb) 🛒 Best cheap chicken cuts
✅ 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
✅ 2 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
✅ 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon for a cheaper option)
✅ ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
✅ 2 tbsp butter
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (or just oregano + basil)
👉 Want extra creaminess? Stir in 2 oz cream cheese or ¼ cup Greek yogurt at the end!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
1️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3️⃣ Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Start the Sauce
4️⃣ In the same pot, melt another tbsp butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.
5️⃣ Pour in milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Add Pasta & Simmer
6️⃣ Add uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil.
7️⃣ Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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💡 Pro Tip: The pasta releases starch as it cooks, creating a thick, creamy sauce—no heavy cream needed!
Step 4: Add Cheese & Chicken
8️⃣ Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
9️⃣ Slice or shred the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
🔟 Let the Alfredo sit for 2 minutes to thicken before serving.
🔟 Garnish with extra Parmesan & black pepper for a restaurant-quality finish!
🔥 Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice!
💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (½ lb) | $2.00 |
| Pasta (8 oz) | $1.00 |
| Milk (2 ½ cups) | $0.75 |
| Chicken broth | $0.50 |
| Parmesan cheese (½ cup) | $1.00 |
| Butter, garlic, seasoning | $0.50 |
| Total Cost: | $4.75 (~$1.20 per serving!) |
🛒 Save more by:
✅ Using bone-in chicken (cheaper than boneless).
✅ Buying block Parmesan and shredding it yourself.
✅ Swapping milk for evaporated milk if needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This rich & creamy pasta pairs perfectly with:
🥗 Side Salad – Easy homemade dressing ideas
🥖 Garlic Bread – The best homemade garlic bread
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – How to roast any veggie perfectly
❓ Common Questions
Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Yes! This works great with spaghetti, linguine, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
👉 Guide to choosing the right pasta for sauces
What’s the Best Cheese for Alfredo?
✔ Parmesan – Classic, sharp, and perfect for melting.
✔ Mozzarella – Extra creamy but mild in flavor.
✔ Cheddar – Not traditional, but works for a richer sauce.
Can I Make This Without Chicken?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add:
✔ Mushrooms or Broccoli – For a vegetarian version.
✔ Shrimp or Sausage – For an easy protein swap.
How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk.
👉 How to store & reheat creamy pasta dishes
🛒 Where to Buy Cheap Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo
💡 Want to save even more? Try:
✔ Aldi & Walmart – Best deals on pasta, cheese, and chicken.
✔ Costco or Sam’s Club – Buy bulk chicken & Parmesan for less.
✔ Dollar Tree – Surprisingly good deals on pasta & dairy!
🔗 More budget grocery tips:
🌟 Final Thoughts: Creamy, Easy & Affordable!
This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or expensive groceries to make a creamy, indulgent pasta dinner. With just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and 25 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like restaurant-quality Alfredo—without the restaurant price tag!
🔥 Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below & let us know how it turned out!
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🔗 More budget-friendly meal ideas:
- 25 Cheap & Easy One-Pot Meals
- How to Cook Restaurant-Style Meals on a Budget
- 10 Quick & Affordable Weeknight Dinners
