13 Skillet Pasta Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Nothing beats a delicious pasta dinner that cooks entirely in one skillet. These easy recipes save you time on cleanup while delivering incredible flavors.

From creamy chicken dishes to hearty meat sauces, these skillet pasta meals make weeknight cooking simple and satisfying for the whole family.

01. Greek-Style Beef Pastitsio Skillet

This Greek-inspired pasta dish combines seasoned ground beef with creamy cheese sauce. All the comforting flavors of traditional pastitsio made simple in one pan.

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta, 1 large onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt, ½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese, ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Greek-Style Beef Pastitsio Skillet

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully cooked and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

2. Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and cinnamon, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then add uncooked pasta. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.

4. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and half the Parmesan until creamy and well combined. Top with remaining cheese and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

02. Creamy Chicken Broccoli Shell Pasta

Tender chicken and bright green broccoli swim in a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting one-pot meal comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 12 oz small shell pasta, 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Shell Pasta

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

2. Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

3. Add uncooked pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and broccoli is bright green.

4. Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely.

5. Let stand for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

03. Turkey Sausage Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi

Pillowy cauliflower gnocchi paired with savory turkey sausage and tangy artichokes. This protein-packed dinner delivers restaurant flavors at home.

Ingredients: 2 packages cauliflower gnocchi (12 oz each), 1 lb Italian turkey sausage (casings removed), 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts (12 oz, drained and chopped), 5 oz fresh baby spinach, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, red pepper flakes to taste.

How To Make Turkey Sausage Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Add turkey sausage to the same skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.

4. Pour in chicken broth and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted.

5. Return gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot.

04. Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Gnocchi

Rich sun-dried tomatoes and creamy white beans create an elegant vegetarian dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients: 2 packages potato gnocchi (16 oz each), 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed), ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 5 oz fresh spinach, ¾ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tbsp reserved sun-dried tomato oil, 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Gnocchi

1. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

2. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until garlic becomes fragrant and tomatoes are warmed through.

3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cannellini beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the beans.

4. Add fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring until completely wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

05. Easy Weeknight Skillet Lasagna

All your favorite lasagna flavors without the layering hassle. This deconstructed version cooks quickly in one pan for busy weeknights.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground Italian sausage, 12 oz lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz), 2 cups water, 15 oz ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, fresh basil for garnish.

How To Make Easy Weeknight Skillet Lasagna

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add ground sausage and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

2. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broken lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and water, stirring to combine.

3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

4. Remove from heat and dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then cover and let stand for 5 minutes until cheese melts.

5. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving. The residual heat will continue to melt the cheese perfectly.

06. Brown Butter Sage White Bean Gnocchi

Nutty brown butter and aromatic sage elevate simple cauliflower gnocchi. Protein-rich white beans make this elegant dish surprisingly filling.

Ingredients: 2 packages cauliflower gnocchi (12 oz each), 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed), 6 tbsp unsalted butter, 12 fresh sage leaves, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup pine nuts (optional), 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt and black pepper to taste.

How To Make Brown Butter Sage White Bean Gnocchi

1. Cook cauliflower gnocchi according to package directions in a large skillet until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove and set aside on a plate.

2. Add butter to the same skillet over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

3. Add sage leaves to the brown butter and fry for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Stir in minced garlic and pine nuts if using, cooking for 30 seconds more.

4. Return gnocchi to the skillet along with cannellini beans, tossing gently to coat everything in the brown butter sauce. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.

5. Remove from heat and add lemon juice, half the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss gently and serve immediately topped with remaining cheese.

07. Caprese Chicken Skillet with Fresh Basil

Summer caprese flavors meet hearty chicken and pasta in this restaurant-quality dish. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully over the creamy tomato sauce.

Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks), 12 oz penne pasta, 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cubed), ¾ cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Caprese Chicken Skillet with Fresh Basil

1. Season chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté cherry tomatoes until they start to soften and release juices, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

4. Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the tomato mixture, bringing to a gentle simmer. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta, tossing to combine.

5. Remove from heat and add cubed mozzarella, stirring gently until it starts to melt. Add fresh basil and balsamic vinegar, tossing one final time before serving immediately.

08. Spicy Italian Turkey Penne Skillet

Lean ground turkey gets a flavor boost from spicy Italian seasonings. Wilted spinach adds color and nutrition to this satisfying pasta dish.

Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey, 8 oz whole grain penne pasta, 5 oz fresh baby spinach, 1 jar marinara sauce (14 oz), 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Spicy Italian Turkey Penne Skillet

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add ground turkey, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add uncooked penne, marinara sauce, and chicken broth, stirring to combine well.

4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.

5. Add fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring until completely wilted. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, letting it melt slightly before serving.

09. Lemon Shrimp Asparagus Pasta with Feta

Bright lemon and tender shrimp create a light yet satisfying spring dinner. Crisp asparagus and tangy feta cheese complete this fresh combination.

Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 12 oz angel hair pasta, 1 lb fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 lemons (zested), 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), 2 tbsp butter, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Lemon Shrimp Asparagus Pasta with Feta

1. Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add asparagus pieces to the pasta water. Drain both together, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

4. Add the drained pasta and asparagus to the skillet along with lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

5. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to warm through. Remove from heat and top with crumbled feta cheese, serving immediately while hot.

10. One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

Classic chicken parmesan meets pasta in this all-in-one skillet dinner. The broiler creates a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips), 12 oz penne pasta, 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz), 2 cups chicken broth, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

1. Preheat broiler to high. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

4. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. The mixture should be slightly saucy.

5. Remove from heat and top with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

11. Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Skillet

Lean ground chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce makes weeknight dinners special. This family-friendly recipe pairs perfectly with a simple salad.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, 12 oz rotini pasta, 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup cream cheese (softened), 1 medium onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Skillet

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, paprika, and garlic powder, cooking while breaking apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

3. Add uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Remove from heat and stir in softened cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted throughout. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.

12. Hidden Veggie Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Finely chopped mushrooms blend seamlessly with ground beef for extra nutrition. Kids won’t even notice the added vegetables in this family favorite.

Ingredients: ¾ lb lean ground beef, 8 oz cremini mushrooms (finely chopped), 12 oz penne pasta, 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz), 1½ cups beef broth, 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, 1 large onion (diced), 1 large carrot (finely diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Hidden Veggie Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Add finely chopped mushrooms, diced onion, and diced carrot to the beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened and mushrooms have released their moisture.

3. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and well combined.

4. Add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and beef broth to the skillet, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

5. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese, covering for 2-3 minutes to melt before serving.

13. Crispy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto Asparagus

Golden crispy gnocchi meets vibrant green asparagus in this elegant spring dish. Store-bought pesto makes this gourmet meal surprisingly quick.

Ingredients: 2 packages cauliflower gnocchi (12 oz each), 1 lb fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), ½ cup prepared basil pesto, ¼ cup pine nuts, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Crispy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto Asparagus

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the bottom.

2. Flip gnocchi and cook another 2-3 minutes until crispy on the second side. Remove gnocchi from skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Add butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender.

4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return crispy gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently with asparagus.

5. Remove from heat and add pesto, pine nuts, and lemon juice, tossing everything together until well coated. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Final Thoughts

These skillet pasta recipes prove that delicious dinners don’t require complicated techniques or endless cleanup. Each dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for two, these one-pan meals will become your go-to solutions for satisfying weeknight dinners.