Easy Manwich Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe for a Quick Family Dinner

This Easy Manwich Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe is a fast one-pan dinner made with diced chicken breast, Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce, short pasta, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to cook, giving you a comforting family meal in roughly 30–35 minutes.

Every forkful combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta with a sweet, savory, tomato-rich sauce and a creamy cheddar finish. Because the pasta cooks directly in the skillet, it absorbs the sauce as it simmers while keeping cleanup simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet dinner is built for busy evenings when you want something warm and filling without several pots on the stove. The chicken, pasta, sauce, and cheese all come together in one pan, so the cooking process is straightforward and cleanup is refreshingly short.

Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce supplies a bold blend of tomato flavor, sweetness, and savory seasoning without requiring a long list of extra ingredients. The sauce clings to every curl of rotini or bite of penne, while cheddar melts into the finished pasta for a rich, creamy bite.

The recipe is also easy to adjust without losing its simple character. Choose rotini for extra sauce-catching ridges, penne for a sturdy bite, or elbow macaroni for a familiar family-style skillet meal.

If you enjoy cozy chicken dinners, you may also like this comforting chicken potpie for another satisfying option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient has a clear purpose in this easy dinner. The chicken provides lean protein, the pasta makes the meal hearty, and the sauce creates the main flavor base while keeping the ingredient list manageable.

• Chicken breast: Cut one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into evenly sized 1-inch cubes so the pieces cook at the same rate.
• Olive oil: One tablespoon helps brown the chicken and gives the onion a flavorful start.
• Onion and garlic: A small chopped onion and one minced garlic clove add savory depth. The garlic and onion are optional in some versions, but they add pleasant aroma and flavor.
• Manwich sauce: One 15-ounce can of Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce seasons the skillet and coats the pasta.
• Broth or water: Two cups of low-sodium chicken broth add flavor, while water works when that is what you have available.
• Short pasta: Use 8 ounces of uncooked rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Short shapes are easy to stir and cook well in a covered skillet.
• Cheddar cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar melts over the hot pasta and gives the dish its creamy finish.
• Seasonings: Start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then taste at the end before adding more.

For a different homemade pasta project, visit this fresh pasta recipe. For this skillet, however, dried short pasta is the best choice because it cooks directly in the sauce.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes evenly with the salt and black pepper, making sure the pieces are similar in size for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pieces should be lightly browned and nearly cooked through; if they are crowded in the pan, move them to a plate so they do not steam.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce and the chicken broth or water, then stir until the liquid is evenly combined. Add the uncooked pasta and return the chicken to the skillet, making sure the pasta is mostly covered by the sauce and liquid.

Step 5: Bring the skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom.

Step 6: Check the pasta a few minutes before the suggested cooking time because different shapes may cook at slightly different speeds. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to let the cheese melt, then spoon the pasta into bowls and serve while hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Skillet

A wide, deep skillet is the most useful pan for this recipe because it gives the pasta room to spread out while still holding the sauce and broth. A crowded or shallow pan can make stirring difficult and may cause some pasta pieces to cook faster than others.

Stir every few minutes during the covered simmer. This distributes the liquid, keeps the pasta from settling against the bottom, and helps the chicken remain surrounded by the flavorful sauce.

Start checking the pan before the full 12–15 minute range is complete. If the pasta is still firm and the skillet looks dry, add 1/4 cup of broth or water at a time, stir well, and continue cooking until tender.

Shred the cheddar from a block when possible for a smooth melt. For a richer cheese finish, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella, keeping the total amount at 1 cup.

To add vegetables, stir chopped bell pepper into the skillet with the onion. It softens quickly and brings color and a mild sweetness without changing the basic cooking method.

Serving Ideas

This chicken pasta skillet is filling enough to serve on its own, especially when spooned into warm bowls with a little extra black pepper. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or crisp cucumber slices can balance the saucy richness of the dish.

For a family dinner, set out small bowls of shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or sliced green onions so everyone can finish their own portion. A piece of warm garlic bread is also useful for catching every bit of sauce left in the bowl.

If you want another pasta-and-chicken dinner for your menu, try this chicken Parmesan with penne. It offers a different Italian-style flavor while keeping chicken and pasta at the center of the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. The cooked pasta is best enjoyed within a few days for the most pleasant texture.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring once or twice as they warm. Add a small splash of broth or water before reheating if the sauce has thickened, then continue until the chicken and pasta are hot throughout.

You can also reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Stir often and add broth or water as needed so the pasta stays moist rather than drying out around the edges.

Easy Manwich Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

This hearty one-pan dinner combines browned chicken, short pasta, Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It is ready in about 30–35 minutes and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 small Small onion, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic clove, minced
• 1 15-ounce can Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
• 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 8 ounces Uncooked short pasta, such as rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Method

 

Step-by-Step

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with the salt and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and nearly cooked through. If the skillet is crowded, transfer the chicken to a plate while the onion cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce and chicken broth or water. Add the uncooked pasta and return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover for 1–2 minutes so the cheese melts, then serve hot.

Notes

Use a wide, deep skillet and stir periodically for even cooking. Begin checking the pasta a few minutes early, and add 1/4 cup broth or water at a time if the skillet becomes dry before the pasta is tender. For a richer finish, combine cheddar with mozzarella. Chopped bell pepper can be added with the onion for extra vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Manwich Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe brings together pantry-friendly ingredients, tender chicken, saucy pasta, and melted cheddar in one dependable dinner. With only 10 minutes of prep and about 20–25 minutes of cooking, it is a practical choice for a busy weeknight.

Keep the skillet covered while the pasta simmers, stir regularly, and check that the chicken reaches 165°F before serving. Once the cheese melts into the sauce, you have a warm, satisfying meal that is ready to go straight from the pan to the table.

Make it your own with rotini, penne, or macaroni, add bell pepper for extra vegetables, or blend cheddar with mozzarella for a creamier topping. However you serve it, this cozy skillet is sure to become a repeat dinner when you want maximum comfort with minimal fuss.