Looking for a quick, comfortable, and crowd-pleasing supper that requires very little effort and cleanup? Then this delicious one-skillet cheesy chicken pasta recipe is what you are looking for. It has everything in one meal: tender ground chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a whole load of melted cheese. Being made completely in one skillet, the process is not only easy but very flavorsome, too, because each ingredient combines in just one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Cooking everything in one skillet saves you time with both cooking and cleaning. This also combines the flavors nicely to come up with a richer, closer dish.
- Comfort Food: It’s a wonderfully comfortable cheesy spaghetti dish; comfort night in needs creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and al dente pasta.
- Family-friendly: This meal will be enjoyed by all at the table. It’s not too spicy, and the cheesy richness is appealing to kids and adults alike.
- So customizable: The basic recipe is delicious in and of itself, but it’s also highly adaptable. Adding veggies, switching up the protein, or fiddling with the flavors until you get a combination that works for you is readily done.
- Quick and Easy: A hearty, handmade meal may be ready in about 30 minutes, making it great for hectic weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Olive oil: used to sauté the chicken and vegetables, providing a delicate taste and reducing sticking.
Ground Chicken: Lean protein, easy to cook, and absorbs flavors well. Can be substituted with ground turkey or beef.
Aromatics-onion and garlic: These add depth in flavor to the dish. Diced onion and minced garlic are the typical components that give a very strong base in taste.
Italian Seasoning: This is, of course, a mixture of herbs that would include oregano, basil, and thyme, adding much flavor to the chicken and pasta.
Red pepper flakes: optional, but recommended for a mild rush of heat. Use more or less depending on how much spice you like.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all items.
Diced tomatoes: Add acidity and a hint of sweetness, offsetting the cheese’s creamy flavor.
Chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and adds taste. You can use veggie broth instead.
Pasta: Penne, rotini, or any shape of short pasta.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce very rich, giving it a smooth and truly decadent feeling.
Mozzarella Cheese: This is going to melt into the meal and give a great cheese pull that no one will resist.
Parmesan Cheese: This provides a nutty salty flavor that elevates the overall taste.
Fresh parsley: Adds a splash of color and a hint of fresh, herbal flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is heated, add the ground chicken. Use a spatula to break up the meat while it cooks. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and thoroughly done. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Add the aromatics: Once the chicken is done, add the diced onion. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes, or until the onion is cooked and transparent. Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using them. Cook for an additional minute, or until the garlic is aromatic.
- Incorporate the Liquids: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, liquids, and chicken broth. Stir, scraping up all of the browned bits off of the bottom of the skillet—the pieces will be packed full of flavor and will add a great dimension to the sauce.
- Add the pasta: Directly to the skillet. Stir the pasta so it departs even, nearly covered and comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Place the skillet cover on and simmer the pasta 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta is al dente. Pasta should have a bit of bite to it.
- Add cream and cheese: Remove the skillet with the pasta from the heat. Whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce develops a creamy and smooth texture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Cover the skillet once more and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top. This gives color and adds a fresh herbaceous note, which balances out the richness of the dish. Serve pasta hot directly from the skillet.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Skillet: For cooking this dish, you should take a large and deep skillet because it will provide enough room for pasta to cook well and for you to stir it easily without spilling.
- Adjust Consistency: In case you want the sauce to be thicker, cook these ingredients without a lid for some additional minutes. Add a pinch of more broth or water to dilute the sauce.
- Test the Pasta: Check for pasta doneness a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. Pasta brands can vary in cooking time, so be sure it’s cooked to your preference.
- Cheese Options: For a unique touch, consider combining cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, and fontina. They will melt smoothly and provide distinct flavors.
- Add Vegetables: To add nutrition and color, try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the Liquids.
- Make It Spicier: To increase the heat, sauté the aromatics with additional red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tart vinaigrette might help balance out the dish’s heavy flavors.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, actually elevates the pasta to a creamy and cheesy flavor within this recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat: Reheat over low heat on stovetop. If too thick, thin with broth or water. Otherwise, reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Freezing: This recipe is freezer-friendly, but the pasta texture might be just a little different when you reheat it. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freeze-safe container. Freeze for two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Swap: You can substitute the ground chicken with any type of ground turkey, beef, or even crumbled sausage if you don’t have it.
For a vegetarian version use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Pasta shapes: While penne and rotini work well, use whatever short pasta you have on hand, such as farfalle or cavatappi.
Gluten-free: Use your gluten-free pasta and make sure the broth is gluten-free, too
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, such as coconut cream or almond milk. Also, use dairy-free cheese shreds.
Nutritional Information
While this dish is indulgent and comforting, you can also make it lighter by using ground turkey instead of chicken, reducing the amount of cheese, or substituting some of the cream with milk or a plant-based alternative. The following is a rough nutritional estimate per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This Delicious One-Skillet Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves easy, comforting meals that don’t skimp on flavor. The preparation in just one skillet makes it perfect for a weeknight when energy is in short supply. From the creamy sauce, tender chicken, to cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to take one of the top slots on your meal staples. Whether for family dinner, evening entertaining of friends, or a hearty meal for one, this pasta always hits the spot. Fresh from the skillet, every comforting, cheesy bite will be devoured.