why make this recipe
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauces, and cheesy goodness all in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. With minimal cleanup, you can enjoy this hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.
how to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from skillet.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth and melted.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
how to serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet warm directly from the skillet. This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For added flair, sprinkle a little extra cheese or crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
how to store Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or spinach to the skillet after cooking the chicken.
- You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Make sure to stir the cheeses well for a smooth, creamy sauce.
variation
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage for a different protein. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can mix and match cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
How do I make it healthier?
Consider using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Combine them with the pasta just before serving.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
A delightful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauces, and cheesy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from skillet.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth and melted.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or spinach after cooking the chicken. Adjust spice levels with more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
