Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta is a dinner-time savior. This dish delivers comfort in every bite—tender chicken strips, rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta come together in a velvety, savory sauce. Made in a single skillet, it’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of meal that works for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers.

What sets this dish apart is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing depth of flavor. Thanks to the combination of heavy cream and cheese, the sauce becomes irresistibly rich, coating every piece of pasta and chicken like a creamy hug. You won’t need a pantry full of ingredients or multiple pots—just a few staples and one pan for a mouthwatering, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta

One-pan convenience: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
Rich, creamy texture: The combo of heavy cream, Parmesan, and cheddar delivers a luxurious, cheesy sauce.
Quick prep: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Family-friendly: Picky eaters will adore the mild, cheesy flavors.
Customizable: Toss in veggies or spice it up for variety.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

Making One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta is a smooth process when you’ve got the right tools ready. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece plays an important role:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan with Lid: This is the heart of the recipe. You’ll be doing everything in one pan—from browning the chicken to simmering the pasta—so a heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid is essential for even cooking and moisture retention.
Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces quickly and cleanly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when adding cream, broth, and cheese for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To stir the sauce gently without damaging your nonstick skillet.
Tongs (Optional): Handy for turning the chicken evenly without shredding the meat.
Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds that authentic nutty sharpness—so skip the pre-grated stuff if you can.

Preparation Tips

Cut Even Chicken Strips: Try to keep the chicken pieces similar in size so they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that may affect how smoothly your sauce comes together.
Warm Up the Broth: Using room temperature or slightly warmed broth helps maintain a steady simmer and reduces the chance of separating the cream.
Stir Frequently: Especially during the simmering stage, frequent stirring helps prevent the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Taste Before Serving: Parmesan and cheddar add salt, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Ingredients for This One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta

This recipe keeps things simple while still delivering rich, indulgent flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting skillet meal to life:

Main Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
(Uncooked; use regular or whole wheat based on your preference.)
2 cups chicken broth
(Low sodium preferred for better control over salt.)
1 cup heavy cream
(Creates the base of the rich, creamy sauce.)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
(Leftovers or freshly cooked both work well.)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
(Gives the sauce its bold, cheesy kick.)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
(Adds a nutty, salty depth.)
2 tablespoons butter
(Used for sautéing and adding creaminess.)
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
(Boosts the flavor with a gentle aroma.)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
(Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.)

Optional additions: crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or steamed broccoli/spinach for a veggie boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta

Follow these simple steps to make this creamy, cheesy skillet dish come together flawlessly.

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In your large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring often until fragrant—don’t let it brown!

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Add the cooked shredded or sliced chicken to the skillet.
Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, and bring everything to a light simmer.
Season with a little salt and black pepper, to taste.

Step 3: Stir in the Pasta

Add 8 oz of penne pasta directly into the broth.
Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Creamy & Cheesy

Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Let It All Come Together

Simmer for another 2–3 minutes uncovered, letting the sauce thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.
Give it a final stir and taste—adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, a bit of extra grated cheese, and serve hot!

Notes

Perfect for Leftover Chicken: This dish is a great way to use up rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken. Just shred it and toss it in!
Customize the Cheese: You can mix in mozzarella or gouda if you want a milder or smokier flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh parsley or basil gives a brighter, fresher finish.
Control the Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the penne with a gluten-free pasta. Keep an eye on the cook time, as gluten-free varieties can vary.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the broth, be sure to stir and check frequently to avoid mushiness.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly, leaving your sauce grainy.
Too Much Heat When Adding Cream: If the skillet is too hot when you add the cream, it can curdle. Reduce heat to low before stirring it in.
Not Tasting as You Go: Parmesan and broth add salt, so taste before seasoning—too much salt can sneak up on you.
Forgetting the Lid: Covering the skillet is key to cooking the pasta evenly in the broth. Don’t skip it!
Rushing the Simmer: Allow the dish to gently simmer so the pasta absorbs all that cheesy, creamy flavor properly.

What to Serve With One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta

This rich and cheesy pasta dish is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn your meal into a cozy, well-rounded feast. Here are some crave-worthy options to complement the creamy textures and bold flavors.

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
The ultimate sidekick—perfect for scooping up extra sauce and adding a little crunch to each bite.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp mix of romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors and a touch of caramelized sweetness.
Steamed Asparagus with Lemon
Light and fresh, asparagus adds a bright contrast to the richness of the cheese sauce.
Caprese Salad
Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze are a refreshing and colorful side.
Sautéed Spinach or Kale
Adds a warm, slightly bitter green to round out the richness of the dish.
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
These lightly breaded rounds mirror the dish’s cheesy profile but with a fun crunch.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A smooth and tangy soup can be a comforting first course that pairs beautifully with the savory pasta.

Storage Instructions

Storing and reheating One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta is super easy—making it a great meal prep option for busy weekdays or cozy leftovers.

Refrigerator

Storage Time: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
How to Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container once fully cooled. Don’t let the dish sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezer

Freezing: While technically you can freeze it, the cream-based sauce may separate or turn grainy upon thawing, especially with cheddar involved.
Recommendation: If you plan to freeze, undercook the pasta slightly and add a touch of extra cream when reheating to smooth out the texture.

Reheating Tips

Microwave: Add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of cream or broth. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Note: These are general estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities used.

Calories: ~580 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 540mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, you can! Just dice raw chicken breast, sauté it fully in the skillet with a bit of oil and garlic until golden and cooked through, then proceed with the recipe. Adjust cooking times slightly.

2. What type of pasta works best if I don’t have penne?

Rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle (bowtie) pasta work great. Just make sure the shape can hold onto the creamy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

4. Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s mild and kid-friendly by default. But you can add crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, or hot sauce to give it a kick if you like heat.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly grated cheeses and avoid overheating the cream. Add the cheeses at a lower temperature and stir until just melted.

6. Can I add vegetables to the dish itself?

Definitely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the pasta simmering stage. You can also stir in roasted veggies at the end.

7. What if I’m lactose intolerant?

Swap in lactose-free cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just know the texture may vary slightly.

8. Can I make it without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

Conclusion

One-Skillet Parmesan Cheddar Chicken & Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm, creamy, and cheesy comfort dish that checks all the boxes: easy cleanup, rich flavor, quick prep, and adaptable ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or indulging in a solo cozy night in, this one-pan wonder will satisfy every time. The balance of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta is just too good to resist.

Perfect for beginner cooks or seasoned home chefs looking for a dependable go-to, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Keep it classic or make it your own—it’s a recipe that invites creativity and rewards simplicity.