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 colorful 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 fancy 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, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, 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
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the 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, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps, then gradually add the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything in the cheesy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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 1-2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top. Garnish with fresh parsley 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 that won’t dry out. 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 and creamiest texture. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency. Let the dish rest for 2-3 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
Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition. 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. Add peas or corn in the last few minutes for extra color and sweetness.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This skillet meal is packed with protein from the chicken (about 30-35 grams per serving), carbohydrates from the pasta for sustained energy, and calcium from the cheese. The vegetables add vitamins and fiber. 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
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet is incredibly photogenic with its creamy, cheesy sauce coating the pasta, colorful vegetables, and golden chicken pieces. The moment when the cheese is stirred in and transforms the sauce into creamy perfection makes for satisfying video content, and the “so easy” hook resonates with busy viewers looking for simple dinners. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the skillet filled with cheesy pasta, close-ups showing the creamy texture and cheese pull, or styled shots with a serving spoon lifting out a portion. The one-pan appeal and 30-minute timeline 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 that everyone requests again and again.
