Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet
Creamy, juicy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces Pasta Rotini or any pasta you like
- 1 cup Heavy cream Room temperature
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth Low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese Packed
- 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Packed
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Store-bought or homemade
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley Chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain thoroughly and set aside. Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Step 2: Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper so they’re evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway, until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for 1–2 minutes. Gradually stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and silky.
- Step 4: Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together and the pasta soaks up some sauce.
- Step 5: Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Extra tips or suggestions: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, though sauce richness will differ.