Chicken Pasta Skillet with Veggies and Cheddar Cheese (30 Minutes)

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Here’s a one-skillet wonder perfect for those nights when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle. This creamy chicken pasta skillet combines the tender pieces of chicken with the wholesomeness of peas and carrots, all nestled within perfectly cooked pasta. The real star, however, is the cheddar cheese, which lends a delightful creaminess and flavor to the dish. Ready in right around 30 minutes, this meal will become a family favorite!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, or farfalle)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken (6-8 minutes): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): Push the chicken to the side of the skillet and add the onions, garlic, and diced carrots. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
  3. Add Pasta and Broth (10-12 minutes): Incorporate the frozen peas and pasta into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the skillet with a lid. Cook until the pasta is tender.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese (3-5 minutes): Pour in the heavy cream or milk and stir. Once mixed well, sprinkle in the cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve (2 minutes): Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Dish out into serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a dash of your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary. Remember to use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce, as pre-packaged shredded cheese may not melt as seamlessly. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread. If you’re looking to kick up the protein, consider adding some diced ham or bacon bits.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 710mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Pair this with...

Lemony Arugula Salad

Start with a generous handful of fresh arugula; it's peppery and packs a punch. Toss in a sprinkle of pine nuts for a delicate crunch. Now, for the star of the show – thinly shaved Parmesan; go on, be generous! For the dressing, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. The lemon brightens the bold arugula and complements the nutty pine nuts and salty Parmesan. Toss everything together and bam, a gourmet side salad in a snap.

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Simple Steamed Broccoli

Begin with fresh broccoli, breaking it into even-sized florets to ensure uniform steaming. Rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities and to refresh their natural green hue. In a pot with a steamer insert, bring a small amount of water to a boil, ensuring the water level remains below the steamer. Place the broccoli florets into the steamer, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Within a few minutes, the broccoli will transform into a brighter shade of green, signaling its readiness. Once tender but still slightly crisp, transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. A sprinkle of sea salt, a light drizzle of olive oil, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance its earthy taste.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!