Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet: Easy Creamy One-Pan Dinner

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet combines tender seasoned chicken, penne pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and three kinds of melted cheese in one comforting dinner. Mozzarella gives the dish its stretchy cheese pull, cheddar adds richness, and Parmesan brings a salty, savory finish.

Although you cook the pasta separately, everything comes together in one large skillet for the final preparation. The chicken cooks with paprika and simple seasonings before onion, garlic, broth, cream, and marinara create the sauce. Then the pasta goes back in, and a generous layer of cheese melts over the top.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet works especially well for busy weeknights because the entire meal comes together quickly without complicated techniques.

I started making skillet pasta dinners when I wanted something more satisfying than plain pasta with jarred sauce but didn’t have time for a baked casserole. This combination became a regular favorite because the sauce comes together while the pasta cooks. I also like that the chicken gets browned before the creamy ingredients enter the skillet. Those golden edges add much more flavor than simply simmering raw chicken in sauce. The best moment comes at the end, though. I scatter all three cheeses across the pasta, cover the skillet, and wait just a few minutes. When the lid comes off, everything underneath is hot, creamy, and covered with melted cheese.

Cooking the Pasta and Seasoned Chicken

Cook the Penne Until Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente.

You want the pasta tender but still slightly firm in the center. Because it will spend additional time in the hot skillet, slightly firm pasta holds its shape better.

Once cooked, drain the penne and set it aside.

Avoid rinsing the pasta. The light coating of starch left on the surface can help the creamy sauce cling to each piece.

While the pasta cooks, you can begin preparing the chicken. Working on both components at the same time makes Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet especially practical for weeknight dinners.

Brown the Chicken Until Golden

Cut 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Keeping the pieces relatively uniform helps them cook evenly.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and season it with ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring and turning the pieces occasionally.

The chicken should develop golden areas on the outside and cook completely through.

Once the chicken finishes cooking, leave it in the skillet. Those browned bits and seasoned juices contribute flavor to the sauce you’ll build next.

Building the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Soften the Onion and Garlic

Add 1 diced small onion to the skillet with the cooked chicken.

Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.

Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves.

Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.

Garlic cooks quickly, so keep it moving and avoid letting it burn.

This simple combination creates the savory foundation for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet.

The onion adds subtle sweetness, while the garlic complements both the chicken and tomato sauce.

Once the garlic becomes fragrant, you’re ready to add the liquids.

Simmer the Creamy Marinara Sauce

Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet.

Next, add 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup marinara sauce.

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Stir thoroughly, making sure to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Then cook it for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

As the sauce simmers, it should begin thickening slightly.

Keep the heat moderate rather than bringing the cream mixture to an aggressive boil.

The finished sauce should remain fluid enough to coat the penne but creamy enough to cling to it.

The combination of marinara and heavy cream gives Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet a balanced sauce that’s both tomato-rich and creamy.

Adding the Pasta and Three Cheeses

Coat the Penne With Sauce

Add the drained penne directly to the skillet.

Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss the pasta with the chicken and creamy tomato sauce.

Continue mixing until the penne becomes evenly coated.

If the sauce seems slightly loose at first, remember that the pasta will continue absorbing some of the liquid as it sits in the skillet.

Reduce the heat to low before adding the cheese.

This lower temperature keeps the bottom of the pasta from scorching while the cheese melts.

At this stage, Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet already has everything needed for a complete dinner. However, the three-cheese topping transforms it into an especially rich comfort-food meal.

Melt Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan

Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.

Next, add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Try to distribute all three cheeses across the entire skillet.

Cover with a lid and leave the skillet over low heat for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

The trapped heat melts the cheese without requiring an oven.

Once the cheese becomes completely melted and bubbly, remove the lid.

The mozzarella creates a stretchy top, while cheddar adds bold richness. Parmesan contributes another layer of savory flavor.

Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet.

If desired, finish each serving with a little additional Parmesan.

Serving and Customizing Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Serve the Pasta Straight From the Skillet

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet tastes best while the cheese remains hot and melted.

Bring the skillet to the table and spoon generous portions onto plates or into shallow bowls.

Because the dish already includes chicken, pasta, and a substantial sauce, it can stand alone as a complete dinner.

However, garlic bread or warm crusty bread pairs particularly well with the creamy tomato sauce.

For something lighter, serve the pasta with a green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or green beans.

Fresh parsley adds color and helps balance the richness of the three cheeses.

Try Easy Variations

You can easily adjust Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet while keeping the basic preparation method intact.

For extra vegetables, add chopped spinach near the end of the sauce’s simmering time. Mushrooms or bell peppers can also cook alongside the onion.

If you prefer a slightly spicier sauce, add a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

You can also use another short pasta shape instead of penne. Rotini, rigatoni, or bow ties can all hold the creamy sauce well.

For an extra cheesy finish, add a small amount of additional mozzarella before covering the skillet.

Regardless of the variation, keep the final heat low while melting the cheese. Gentle heat creates a smooth, bubbly topping without drying out the pasta underneath.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
4. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and marinara sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
7. Add the cooked penne and gently toss until the chicken and pasta become evenly coated with sauce.
8. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the pasta.
9. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts. Cut them into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly before you prepare the sauce.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Other short pasta shapes such as rotini, rigatoni, ziti, or bow ties can work well. Cook whichever pasta you choose until al dente before adding it to the skillet.

Why is my creamy tomato sauce too thin?

Give the sauce the full 3 to 5 minutes of gentle simmering before adding the pasta. The pasta will also absorb some liquid after you toss it with the sauce.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini can complement Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet. Add vegetables at a point that gives them enough time to cook without becoming overly soft.

How can I make the pasta a little spicy?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you stir in the Italian seasoning. Start with a small amount, then adjust according to your preference.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet brings together tender chicken, penne, creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting dinner that’s simple enough for busy evenings.

Browning the seasoned chicken first creates a flavorful foundation. Then onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, marinara, and Italian seasoning become a rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan finish Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet with three distinct layers of cheesy flavor. Covering the skillet for just a few minutes melts everything without requiring extra time in the oven.

Finish with fresh parsley, bring the skillet straight to the table, and serve while the sauce remains creamy and the cheese stays hot and stretchy.