If there’s one dinner that combines everything you crave — creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese — it’s this Quick Chicken Philly Pasta. With just the right balance of comfort and speed, this skillet meal brings the bold, cheesy spirit of a Philly cheesesteak into pasta form, without the heaviness or hassle. It’s the kind of dish that comes together effortlessly on a weeknight but tastes like something you’d get at your favorite neighborhood bistro. And once you’ve made it, you’ll see why it earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
From the first bite, it’s all about richness and flavor. Sliced bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño add that familiar sizzle you expect from a Philly-inspired dish, while steak-style seasoning and Worcestershire sauce deepen every bite with savory goodness. The penne catches the silky cream sauce perfectly, and the finishing touch — a blanket of gooey provolone — pulls it all together like a warm hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers worth looking forward to, this Quick Chicken Philly Pasta checks every box.
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Quick Chicken Philly Pasta That Melts in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy, cheesy Quick Chicken Philly Pasta brings together juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and melty provolone in one skillet. It’s the perfect weeknight comfort meal made in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
12 ounces dry penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon butter
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for mild heat)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon steak-style seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7 slices provolone cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until just tender, following package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, butter, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic powder, steak-style seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden and the vegetables are softened.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated.
7. Lay the provolone slices evenly over the top. If using an oven-safe skillet, place it under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese melts. Otherwise, cover the skillet and let the cheese melt over low heat.
8. Serve hot, finished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
You can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with 6 oz of Philadelphia garlic and herb cream cheese for a quicker version. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper or use a spicier pepper variety. This pasta reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Skillet cooking and broiling
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Crave This Quick Chicken Philly Pasta Again and Again
There’s something magical about transforming a sandwich concept into a pasta. With this dish, it’s the marriage of textures that makes it unforgettable. You get the chew of penne, the juiciness of chicken, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the heat from jalapeño, all smothered in a rich, melty sauce. It’s not just dinner — it’s a full-on comfort experience.
You also can’t ignore the speed factor. In under 45 minutes, you’ve got a complete, high-protein dinner on the table with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction. Unlike slow-simmering stews or baked casseroles, this skillet-based recipe hits that sweet spot between fast and filling.
And then there’s the wow factor. When you bring it to the table with those ribbons of provolone just beginning to bubble, people stop talking. They know it’s going to be good before the first bite, and it never disappoints.
Building Bold Flavor in Every Bite of Quick Chicken Philly Pasta
The foundation of this recipe is flavor layering, and it starts with how you season the chicken. Steak seasoning might seem like an unusual choice at first, but it adds that umami depth that evokes traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor without needing actual beef. A touch of garlic powder rounds it out, giving the chicken a savory backbone that stands up to the creamy sauce.
Then comes the trifecta of creaminess. Heavy cream lays down the velvet base, Parmesan adds a salty nuttiness, and provolone brings the stretch and melt. Unlike sauces that rely solely on a roux, this one thickens naturally as it simmers with cheese — less fuss, more flavor.
But maybe the most underrated ingredient is Worcestershire sauce. Just a teaspoon is enough to add complexity and bring out the savory notes in both the chicken and the sauce. It’s subtle, but without it, something’s missing.
Smart Shortcuts to Make This Quick Chicken Philly Pasta Even Faster
One of the best parts of this dish is how well it works with a little planning ahead. Dice your onions, peppers, and chicken the night before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You’ll shave off at least 10 minutes during the dinner rush.
If you want to streamline cleanup, use an oven-safe skillet. That way, once your provolone goes on top, you can pop it straight under the broiler instead of transferring to a baking dish. One pan. One less mess.
And while the recipe calls for cream and Parmesan, you can make a quick swap with Philadelphia garlic and herb cream cheese for an even faster sauce. Stir it in with a splash of pasta water, and you’ve got a shortcut version that still delivers bold, cheesy flavor. That little adjustment turns this into a simple chicken pasta with Philadelphia garlic and herb — no compromise on taste, just more time saved.
Ingredient Swaps and Creative Add-Ins for Your Chicken Philly Pasta
Want more heat? Add extra jalapeño or finish with red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? Use a sweet pepper instead or leave the jalapeño out entirely. This pasta’s strength is in its flexibility.
If you’re looking to sneak in more vegetables, mushrooms and spinach both blend beautifully into the mix. Sauté the mushrooms with the onions and peppers, or toss in a handful of baby spinach right before adding the pasta so it wilts gently into the sauce.
This recipe is also easy to adapt for dietary needs. Gluten-free penne holds up well, and you can use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute and vegan cheese to make a non-dairy version. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still satisfy the craving for a simple chicken pasta with cream cheese flavor and texture.
The Best Dishes to Serve with Quick Chicken Philly Pasta
Because this dish is so rich, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess and refresh the palate. Roasted green beans or broccoli also make a great veggie-forward addition.
If you’re looking for carbs on carbs (no judgment), garlic bread is a natural companion. Toasted with butter and herbs, it’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce at the bottom of your bowl. Or go with a warm corn skillet for something a little unexpected but equally comforting.
For drinks, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the cheese and cream, while sparkling water with lemon keeps things light and refreshing. For a cozy non-alcoholic option, try a chilled apple cider or cranberry spritzer.
More Creamy Chicken Dinners You’ll Want to Bookmark
This recipe fits perfectly into your creamy chicken dinner lineup. If you love this kind of skillet magic, you’ll also appreciate the ease and flavor of this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake. It’s just as indulgent but baked to golden perfection with minimal hands-on time.
And for something even easier on cleanup, the One-Pan Chicken Alfredo Orzo delivers creamy goodness in a single skillet — no boiling water required. These are the kinds of meals that make weeknights feel less like a rush and more like a ritual.
There’s a reason creamy chicken dinners never go out of style. They’re filling, versatile, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Once you have a few core recipes like this in your back pocket, weeknight dinners become a lot less stressful.
FAQs About Simple Chicken Pasta with Philadelphia Flavors
What’s the difference between Philly pasta and Alfredo pasta?
While both are creamy, Philly pasta is inspired by the flavors of a cheesesteak — think onions, peppers, provolone, and steak-style seasoning. Alfredo is smoother, milder, and based primarily on butter and Parmesan.
Can I make this as a simple chicken pasta with Philadelphia garlic and herb?
Absolutely. Just replace the heavy cream and Parmesan with about 6 ounces of softened Philadelphia garlic and herb cream cheese. It melts down into a luscious sauce that’s just as flavorful with even less effort.
Is it possible to make a simple chicken pasta with cream cheese instead?
Yes, cream cheese is a great substitute if you don’t have heavy cream or Parmesan. It thickens the sauce and adds tangy richness. For best results, thin it with a little pasta water or milk to keep the texture smooth.
How can I meal prep or freeze Chicken Philly Pasta ahead of time?
You can fully cook the pasta and sauce, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion it out and let it cool completely before sealing. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life.
Final Thoughts on This Weeknight Favorite
Once you make this Quick Chicken Philly Pasta, it won’t be the last time. It delivers the kind of cozy, rich, and satisfying flavor that makes even an ordinary Tuesday night feel like something special.
It hits all the marks — creamy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned chicken — but without requiring hours in the kitchen. You get bold flavor fast, which is exactly what most of us are looking for after a long day.
So the next time you’re craving something indulgent but quick, skip the takeout and grab your skillet. This dish is more than a recipe — it’s a weeknight lifesaver in pasta form.
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