If you’re looking for an easy, comforting dinner that comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet is exactly what you need. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with vegetables, then simmered with pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan. Everything cooks together in the same skillet, allowing the pasta to absorb all those delicious flavors while creating a perfectly creamy, cheesy dish that the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with a pile of dishes.
The beauty of this one-skillet meal is that the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors while creating a naturally creamy consistency without needing complicated steps or techniques.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4-6)
This version is easy to scale up for meal prep or larger families.
For the Skillet
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 24 oz marinara sauce (optional, for tomato-based version)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the butter and remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps, then add the milk. Stir in the Italian seasoning and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Add Pasta and Simmer
Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, pushing it down into the liquid so it’s mostly submerged. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to ensure the pasta is covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add Cheese and Chicken
Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt, or place under the broiler for 2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat. Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Don’t skip the flour—it helps thicken the sauce and gives it that creamy consistency. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melting. If the sauce gets too thick, add more milk or chicken broth a little at a time. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens up perfectly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
Make it a tomato-based version by adding marinara sauce along with the broth. Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for variety. Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Add cooked bacon for a bacon ranch chicken pasta. Use ground chicken instead of cubed for a different texture. Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the cheese.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This skillet meal is packed with protein from the chicken (about 25-30 grams per serving), carbohydrates from the pasta for energy, and calcium from the cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours. You can lighten it by using more vegetables, less cheese, or whole wheat pasta.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet is incredibly photogenic with its creamy, cheesy sauce coating the pasta, golden chicken pieces, and melted cheese on top. The moment when the cheese is stirred in and transforms the sauce into creamy perfection makes for satisfying video content, and the “ready in 30 minutes” hook resonates with busy viewers. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the skillet filled with cheesy pasta, close-ups showing the creamy texture, or styled shots with a serving spoon lifting out a portion with cheese stretching. The one-pan appeal and family-friendly nature make this recipe highly shareable.
Serve this comforting pasta skillet with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, cheesy dinner has become such a favorite for busy weeknight meals and family dinners.