Creamy One-Pot Penne Alfredo

More one-pot pasta recipes? Here’s a new favorite: One-Pot Penne Alfredo Pasta. This version brings classic Alfredo flavor to the table faster and with lighter ingredients than traditional recipes that rely on heavy cream and excessive butter. Instead of heavy cream, the sauce is built from the starchy cooking liquid and milk, producing a creamy, glossy sauce that clings to each penne.

This one-pot method is simple: the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so the starch released by the noodles helps thicken and enrich the mixture. The result is a comforting, family-friendly pasta that’s quick to make and easy to customize.

The finished dish is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Below you’ll find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and tips for dairy-free and gluten-free variations.

Want more one-pot pasta ideas? Try these

One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo • One Pot Yummy Pasta • One Pot Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

One-Pot Penne Alfredo Pasta

Rating: 4.80 from 20 votes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp finely diced shallot (or 1 small shallot)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 lb uncooked penne pasta
• 1 tsp kosher salt, or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley

Optional, for serving:

• A sprinkle of Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with tall sides or a medium pot over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. If using wine, add it now and cook, stirring, until the liquid reduces by about half (2–3 minutes).
3. Add the chicken broth, milk, uncooked penne, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce to a very light simmer.
4. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Watch closely and stir often to prevent the milk from curdling or the pasta from sticking.
5. When the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the butter, Parmesan, and parsley until the butter has melted and the cheese has fully incorporated into a creamy sauce. Taste and add more salt if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or a pinch of crushed red pepper for texture and heat.

Notes

Reheating: For best results, reheat leftover pasta in a skillet with 1/4–1/2 cup of broth, depending on the amount. This restores moisture to the noodles and loosens the sauce without losing creaminess.

Dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives:

• Gluten-free pasta works well in this method; choose a brand and shape you trust and use 1 lb to match the recipe proportions. Legume-based pastas can also be used but may require slightly different cook times—follow package guidelines while keeping an eye on texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute a plain unsweetened dairy-free creamer or an unsweetened plant-based milk with a bit more body (such as an oat or almond creamer) for the milk. To add a savory, “cheesy” flavor if a dairy-free Parmesan alternative isn’t available, stir in a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast toward the end.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by recipe tools and should be used only as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Alex Snodgrass

Servings: 4 people

This one-pot penne Alfredo balances speed and comfort: fewer dishes, minimal fuss, and a sauce that’s rich without relying on heavy cream. It’s easy to tweak—add cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, or sautéed mushrooms to stretch the dish into a hearty weeknight dinner. Enjoy!