Sheet pan chicken pasta is the answer to busy weeknight dinners. Forget juggling multiple pots and pans; this all in one meal comes together on a single sheet pan, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. This recipe is inspired by my grandmother’s Sunday suppers, where simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
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Friends kept asking for my take on one pan meals, and I knew I had to share this sheet pan chicken pasta rendition. It’s become a family favorite because it is delicious and a breeze to make. I think you will find yourself making it quite often! So, let’s get cooking!
Why You Will Love This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
This recipe is pure comfort food, elevated. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and roasted vegetables all bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. What’s not to love? Forget standing over a hot stove for hours. Dinner is ready in under an hour, including prep time.
I especially love how adaptable this recipe is. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It is so satisfying to gather around the table and savor the incredible flavors of this dish. Plus, who doesn’t love a one pan wonder that makes clean up a snap?
This sheet pan chicken pasta is a symphony of tastes and textures that make everyone happy. I love seeing families gather around this meal. You might also like “Sheet Pan Chicken Wraps 3” (Sheet Pan Chicken Wraps 3), my recipe for easy chicken wraps, or “Sheet Pan Chicken Wraps 2” (Sheet Pan Chicken Wraps 2) for an even quicker variation.
Ingredients Needed for This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- Pasta: 1 lb penne pasta (or other short pasta shape)
- Broccoli: 1 head, cut into florets
- Bell Peppers: 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved
- Red Onion: 1, thinly sliced
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Chicken Broth: 1.5 cups
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
How to Make This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken, pasta, broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- 3. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large sheet pan. Use a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills.
- 4. Pour chicken broth evenly over the mixture.
- 5. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the chicken is no longer pink. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
- 6. Remove from oven and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- 7. Return to oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8. Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
Serve this sheet pan chicken pasta family style, straight from the sheet pan! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A side of garlic bread or a simple salad would complement this dish perfectly.
For a more elegant presentation, portion the pasta onto individual plates and top with extra parmesan cheese. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy finish.
How to Store This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
Allow the sheet pan chicken pasta to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Tips to Make This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
- Use bone in, skin on chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure even cooking.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half and half or milk, but the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Helpful Notes for This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
The type of pasta you use can affect the cooking time. If you are using a larger pasta shape, you may need to add more chicken broth to ensure it cooks through.
Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting texture.
If you want to add more vegetables, consider including zucchini, squash, or mushrooms.
Variation of This sheet pan chicken pasta Recipe
- For a creamy tomato sauce, add a can of crushed tomatoes to the sheet pan before baking.
- Swap out the chicken for sausage or shrimp.
- Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy topping.
- For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
- For a seasonal twist, use roasted butternut squash and spinach in the fall.
What is sheet pan chicken pasta?
Sheet pan chicken pasta is a one-pan meal where chicken, pasta, vegetables, and sauce are all cooked together on a sheet pan. This method simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How do you keep the pasta from being soggy on a sheet pan?
To prevent soggy pasta, use a short pasta shape like penne or rotini, and don’t overcook it initially. Tossing the pasta with olive oil before baking also helps to prevent sticking and sogginess.
Can I add other vegetables to sheet pan chicken pasta?
Yes, you can customize your sheet pan chicken pasta with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are all great additions. Adjust cooking time accordingly depending on the vegetable.
What temperature should sheet pan chicken pasta be cooked at?
Sheet pan chicken pasta is typically cooked at a high temperature, around 400-425°F (200-220°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks through and the vegetables roast nicely, all while the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Conclusion
This sheet pan chicken pasta recipe is a win win for any busy weeknight. With minimal prep and easy clean up, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in no time. Gather your family, share the love, and enjoy this simple but extraordinary dish. I would love to hear what you think of this sheet pan chicken pasta, so tell me in the comments!
Sheet Pan Chicken Pasta: The Easiest One- Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Effortless one pan chicken pasta with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and roasted vegetables in a creamy parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss chicken, pasta, broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mixture evenly onto a large sheet pan.
- Pour chicken broth evenly over the mixture.
- Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and chicken is no longer pink. Stir halfway through cooking.
- Remove from oven and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: sheet pan chicken pasta, one pan meal, easy dinner
