Chicken & Veggie Pasta Skillet 🍗🥦🧄🍝 One-Pan, Saucy, and Loaded With Sautéed Veggies and Seared Chicken

This is a weeknight hero: juicy seared chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and saucy pasta all cooked in one skillet. It’s endlessly adaptable and built to use what you’ve got — all while keeping the dishes (and effort) to a minimum.

Savory, colorful, and ready to feed a crowd.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the vegetables

• 2–3 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

For the pasta and sauce

• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
• Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste or ¼ cup marinara for added depth

To finish

• Chopped parsley or basil
• Extra cheese for topping
• Squeeze of lemon or drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies
In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed. Sauté onions and mixed vegetables 4–6 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute more.

Step 3: Add pasta and liquid
Stir in uncooked pasta, chicken broth, milk, and tomato paste or marinara if using. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Step 4: Finish and combine
Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan and adjust consistency with pasta water if needed. Simmer uncovered 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with herbs, more cheese, and a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of oil.

Flavor Variations

• Use sausage, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken
• Stir in spinach, arugula, or kale at the end
• Add pesto, cream cheese, or sour cream for richness
• Go southwest with corn, black beans, and chili powder
• Use leftover roasted vegetables for easy prep

Pro Tips

• Cut veggies to uniform size for even cooking
• Don’t overcook the pasta — it keeps cooking in the sauce
• Use a lid during simmering to prevent sticking
• Add cheese at the end off-heat for smooth melting
• A splash of lemon or vinegar at the end boosts flavor

Final Thoughts

Chicken & Veggie Pasta Skillet is fast, hearty, and highly adaptable — built for busy nights and fridge clean-outs alike. One pan, full flavor, and zero stress.

Sear it. Simmer it. Serve it straight from the skillet. 🍗🥦🧄🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
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🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.