One-Pan Wonder: Creamy Skillet Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Skillet chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It’s quick, easy, requires minimal cleanup, and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious. This recipe takes advantage of the convenience of one-pan cooking, allowing you to create a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. We’ll explore various skillet chicken pasta variations, from creamy tomato basil to lemon garlic parmesan, providing you with a plethora of options to suit your taste. Get ready to ditch the multiple pots and pans and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of skillet chicken pasta!

## Why Skillet Chicken Pasta is a Weeknight Winner

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why skillet chicken pasta is such a fantastic choice for busy weeknights:

* **One-Pan Convenience:** The biggest advantage is the minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single skillet, reducing the number of dishes you have to wash.
* **Quick and Easy:** Most skillet chicken pasta recipes can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for those nights when you’re short on time.
* **Customizable:** Skillet chicken pasta is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, sauces, and spices.
* **Flavorful:** Cooking everything in one pan allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Skillet chicken pasta can be made with affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly meal option.

## The Basic Skillet Chicken Pasta Formula

While the variations are endless, the basic formula for skillet chicken pasta remains consistent:

1. **Sauté the Chicken:** Start by browning the chicken pieces in the skillet. This adds flavor and ensures the chicken is cooked through.
2. **Add Aromatics:** Onions and garlic are essential for building a flavorful base. Sauté them until softened and fragrant.
3. **Incorporate Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp.
4. **Add Pasta and Liquid:** Pour in the pasta and enough liquid (broth, water, or a combination) to cover it. This is where the pasta will cook.
5. **Simmer and Stir:** Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Add Sauce and Cheese:** Stir in your desired sauce and cheese to create a creamy and flavorful finish.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

## Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Basil Skillet Chicken Pasta

This recipe features a classic combination of tomato, basil, and creamy cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 ounces penne pasta
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. **Add Pasta and Broth:** Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Add Chicken, Cream, and Cheese:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

## Recipe 2: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Skillet Chicken Pasta

This recipe is bright, zesty, and full of flavor. The lemon and garlic create a delicious combination that’s perfectly balanced by the Parmesan cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Juice and zest of 1 lemon
* 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
* 2 cups chopped spinach
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:** Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Broth, Cream, and Parmesan:** Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. **Add Lemon Juice and Zest:** Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
5. **Add Pasta and Chicken:** Add the fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Add Spinach:** Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

## Recipe 3: Creamy Pesto Skillet Chicken Pasta

This recipe features a vibrant green pesto sauce that adds a burst of fresh flavor to the chicken and pasta.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
* 8 ounces rotini pasta
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
4. **Add Pasta and Broth:** Add the rotini pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Add Chicken, Cream, Pesto, and Cheese:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

## Recipe 4: Spicy Sausage and Chicken Skillet Pasta

This recipe features Italian sausage for an added kick of spice. The chicken balances out the flavors for a filling dish.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings.
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Sausage:** In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Chicken:** Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
3. **Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:** Add the olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Seasonings:** Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Add Pasta and Broth:** Add the rigatoni pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Add Chicken and Sausage:** Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley and serve immediately.

## Recipe 5: Mushroom and Spinach Skillet Chicken Pasta

This recipe features earthy mushrooms and healthy spinach. A lighter and fresher take on skillet pasta.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 ounces baby spinach
* 8 ounces campanelle pasta
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pinch of nutmeg
* Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté Mushrooms:** Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and browned, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Spinach:** Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. **Add Pasta and Broth:** Add the campanelle pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Add Chicken, Cream (optional) and Cheese:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately.

## Tips for Skillet Chicken Pasta Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
* **Use the Right Skillet:** A large skillet with high sides is ideal for skillet chicken pasta. A cast-iron skillet is a great option, but any large skillet will work.
* **Adjust the Liquid:** The amount of liquid you need may vary depending on the type of pasta you use. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Keep a close eye on the pasta while it’s cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

## Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of skillet chicken pasta is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and adaptations:

* **Protein:** Substitute the chicken with sausage, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or feta.
* **Sauce:** Use your favorite sauce, such as marinara, Alfredo, or pesto.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh or dried herbs to add flavor to your dish.
* **Pasta Shapes:** Try different pasta shapes like rotini, penne, farfalle, or cavatappi.

## Serving Suggestions

Skillet chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish, such as:

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, add extra nutrients and flavor.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover skillet chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

## Final Thoughts

Skillet chicken pasta is a convenient, customizable, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its one-pan simplicity and endless variations, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. So, grab your skillet and get cooking! Enjoy these variations, adapt them to your taste, and discover your own signature skillet chicken pasta creation.