Easy One-Pan Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet – an incredibly easy, flavorful one-pan pasta skillet bursting with zesty salsa verde, tender chicken, and an abundance of rich, melty cheese! This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, delivering comfort and convenience in every bite.

Life truly does get busy, especially when juggling work, school, and various family activities. I recently had the chance to spend some invaluable one-on-one time with my 10-year-old son, just the two of us. After a summer filled with shared moments, the return to school has meant a whirlwind of homework, Lego practice, and a constant race against the clock. Those precious moments of simply “hanging out” become fewer and far between. It made me appreciate every minute, especially knowing that at 10, he still genuinely enjoys my company – a phase I know will eventually pass.

It’s precisely these hectic schedules that drive my passion for creating and sharing quick, easy, and utterly delicious dinner recipes. The ultimate win? A meal that comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing quality family time. This is where the Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet shines, transforming a potentially stressful weeknight into a simple, savory culinary experience.

The Magic of One-Pan Dinners: Effortless Cooking, Easy Cleanup

If you’re a regular visitor here, you’ll know my kitchen philosophy: the quicker and easier the dinner, the better. And if that dinner can be made in just one pan? Even better! Weeknights demand efficiency, and I aim to get a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes, without another 30 minutes of dishwashing and cleanup afterward. This is why I’m always eager to share my favorite one-pan pasta skillet recipes, and this Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet perfectly embodies that ideal.

Beyond its incredible convenience, this dish is pure comfort food. It’s wonderfully creamy, unbelievably cheesy, and packed with a vibrant flavor that will undoubtedly earn you rave reviews from everyone at your table. It’s a meal that feels special despite how little effort it requires, making it a true staple for busy families.

Crafting Your Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet: A Step-by-Step Guide

The core principle behind any pasta skillet recipe is that everything cooks together in one single pan, including the pasta itself. For this particular Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet, the process is streamlined for maximum flavor and minimal fuss:

Brown the Chicken: You’ll start by browning the chicken pieces. This crucial step develops a rich, savory flavor and ensures the chicken is tender and perfectly cooked, not chewy, when added back later. Once browned, the chicken is removed from the pan and set aside.
Simmer the Pasta: In the same pan, you’ll combine chicken stock, vibrant salsa verde, diced green chilies, and a touch of half-and-half (or milk) with the dry pasta. Bring this mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious liquids and flavors until perfectly al dente.
Combine and Melt: Once the pasta is cooked, the browned chicken is returned to the skillet. Stir in a generous portion of Monterey Jack cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the pan again for just a couple of minutes to allow that cheese to transform into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Serve and Enjoy: That’s it! Your delectable Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet is ready to be served hot.

Pasta skillets have become my ultimate weeknight go-to meal. My entire family adores them, and the leftovers are absolutely perfect for lunch the next day. In fact, when I ask my 10-year-old for dinner ideas, a pasta skillet is almost always his top request. So, instead of opting for plain baked chicken breasts tonight, elevate your dinner game with this dynamic and delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet!

Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes, they cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Salsa Verde: The star! This tangy, vibrant green salsa provides a fantastic base flavor, distinct from traditional red salsas. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for catching and holding the creamy sauce. Other medium-sized pasta like rotini or fusilli would also work.
Chicken Broth & Half-and-Half (or Milk): These liquids form the rich cooking base for the pasta, creating a creamy, luxurious sauce.
Diced Green Chilies: A small can of these adds a mild, authentic Southwestern kick without overwhelming the dish.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Known for its superior melt, Monterey Jack creates that desirable gooey, cheesy topping. Feel free to mix with a little cheddar for added flavor.
Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and browning the chicken.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet is perfect every time:

Don’t Rush the Browning: Browning the chicken properly before setting it aside is key to developing deep flavor. It also prevents the chicken from boiling and becoming rubbery when it’s added back to the simmering pasta.
Pasta Absorption: Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If your skillet is very wide, you might need a tiny splash more broth or water to cover the pasta adequately for even cooking.
Stir Occasionally: Give the pasta a stir a few times during its cooking process to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Taste and Adjust: Before adding the final cheese, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors.

Customizing Your Skillet:

Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a finely diced jalapeño along with the green chilies, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Add Veggies: Stir in a can of drained black beans, corn, or even some diced bell peppers or spinach during the last few minutes of pasta cooking for added nutrients and texture.
Cheese Choices: While Monterey Jack is ideal for melting, a blend with Colby, cheddar, or even pepper jack would introduce different flavor dimensions.
Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving will add a wonderful brightness.

This Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully in a single pan, can create a dish that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly convenient. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or when you just need a comforting, cheesy meal without the fuss.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Taco Rice
Blackened Shrimp Pasta
Mississippi Chicken
Green Chile Pork
Chile Relleno Casserole
Chickpea Curry

4.50 from 6 votes

Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet

By

Erin Sellin

Salsa Verde Chicken Skillet – an easy one pan pasta skillet with salsa verde, chicken, and lots of melty gooey cheese!

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

25 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:
5

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Ingredients

▢

1
pound
boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
▢

1/2
teaspoon

salt
▢

1/4
teaspoon

black pepper
▢

2
Tablespoons

olive oil
▢

2
cups

chicken broth
▢

1
cup

salsa verde
▢

1
4oz can diced green chilies
▢

1
cup
half and half or milk
▢

3
cups
dried penne pasta
▢

1 1/2
cup
Monterey jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to coat the pan. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to hot oil, and brown for about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan, and set aside. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Add chicken stock, salsa verde, green chilies, half and half, and pasta to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
Add chicken back to the pan. Stir in 1 cup of cheese. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top. Cover and cook for 2 minutes until melted.
Serve

Notes

Recipe Adapted from Kevin & Amanda

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
5

Calories:
552

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