One-Skillet Chicken & Pasta Ragu

A comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and pasta, all cooked in one skillet for a delightful meal.

Introduction

One of the most satisfying meals you can prepare at home is a One-Skillet Chicken & Pasta Ragu — an all-in-one comfort food classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken pieces with fragrant sautéed vegetables, a rich tomato-based sauce, and hearty pasta cooked right in the skillet, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This dish is not only simple and straightforward but also practical — fewer pots to clean and a satisfying, wholesome meal ready in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to make this dish a hit: from detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions, to expert tips for flavor boosts and substitutions, as well as the nutritional breakdown and prep time.

Why This Recipe Works

• One-Pot Simplicity: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce with the chicken and veggies reduces cleanup and lets the pasta soak up all those delicious flavors.

• Balanced Flavor Profile: The blend of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, the sweetness of carrots and onions, the tang of tomatoes, and the rich mozzarella topping creates a well-rounded dish that everyone will love.

• Versatile: Easily customize with your choice of pasta, veggies, or protein.

• Family-Friendly: Mild spices, familiar ingredients, and a creamy, cheesy finish make this a crowd-pleaser.

• Nutritious: A balanced meal with protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from vegetables, and carbohydrates for energy.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 lbs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced small (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon ground dried thyme

• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• 2 chicken bouillon cubes

• 4 cups hot water (preferably boiled and kept hot)

• 3 cups uncooked fettuccine pasta (broken in half to fit in the skillet)

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or more if desired)

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions: How to Prepare One-Skillet Chicken & Pasta Ragu

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped — dice the onions, carrots, and celery, mince the garlic, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and have the hot water ready. Breaking the fettuccine in half helps it fit better in the skillet and cook evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. This step seals in the juices and builds flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t wash it — those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the chopped onions, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Then add the minced garlic, dried rosemary, and thyme, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet and cook it with the vegetables for another minute, stirring well. This helps deepen the tomato flavor. Pour in the 1.5 cups of diced tomatoes and add the two chicken bouillon cubes, stirring to dissolve them evenly into the mixture.

Step 5: Add Liquids & Chicken

Pour in 4 cups of hot water gradually while stirring to combine everything. Return the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet. Stir everything gently to combine well. The water will act as the cooking liquid for both the chicken and pasta.

Step 6: Add Pasta & Simmer

Now, add the 3 cups of uncooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Press it down gently so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. If the liquid absorbs too quickly and the pasta is still hard, add a splash more hot water and continue cooking.

Step 7: Final Touch – Cheese & Garnish

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickened to your liking, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. When ready to serve, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh burst of color and flavor.

 Prep Time & Nutritional Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Approximately 357 kcal per serving. This calculation includes chicken, pasta, vegetables, olive oil, and cheese.

 Expert Tips for Perfect One-Skillet Chicken & Pasta Ragu

• Choosing Chicken:
  Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for this recipe because they cook quickly and remain tender. For juicier results, you can substitute chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Pasta Types:
  While the recipe calls for fettuccine, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just be mindful that thicker or smaller pastas may need slight adjustments to cooking time.

• Vegetable Variations:
  Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more veggies and extra nutrients. Sauté these along with the onions and carrots.

• Herb Choices:
  Rosemary and thyme complement this dish well, but fresh basil or oregano can be great alternatives depending on your preference.

• Cheese Options:
  Mozzarella gives a melty, creamy finish. Substitute Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for sharper or more complex flavors.

• Simmering Tips:
  Simmer gently to prevent pasta from sticking or burning on the bottom. Stir occasionally but not too often to avoid breaking the pasta.

• Freezing & Storage:
  This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to bring back the saucy consistency. It can also be frozen, though texture may slightly change.

• Make it Creamy:
  For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.

• Adjusting Thickness:
  If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. If too thick, add a bit more water or broth.

Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe at Home

1. Minimal Cleanup: One skillet means less washing up — a major bonus after dinner!

2. Flavorful and Filling: The tomato base and herbs infuse every bite with depth.

3. Customizable: Easily tailored to your pantry or family’s taste preferences.

4. Quick: Ready in under an hour with most prep done simultaneously.

5. Balanced Meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pot — nutritious and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even browning and to prevent excess liquid in the skillet.

What if I don’t have chicken bouillon cubes?

You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or use 1 cup of chicken broth instead of water.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your bouillon cubes or broth are gluten-free.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave with a splash of water or broth, or reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This One-Skillet Chicken & Pasta Ragu is a fantastic recipe that brings together ease and elegance in one dish. The layers of flavor from the sautéed veggies and herbs, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, create a satisfying meal the whole family will adore. Plus, its simplicity means it’s accessible even for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon discover why one-pot meals like this are kitchen staples for home cooks everywhere!