Description
A delicious and easy one-pot chicken parmesan pasta combining tender chicken pieces, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all cooked together in a single pan for a quick and comforting Italian-American meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Meat
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Pasta & Grains
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh Herbs
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes, but not fully cooked through.
- Add garlic and sauté: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 more minute to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add liquids and bring to boil: Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, then stir to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook pasta and chicken: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the boiling mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Incorporate cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and fully combined into the sauce.
- Let thicken and garnish: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and meld. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini or rigatoni for penne pasta if preferred.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the cheeses.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut by adding it later in the cooking process and adjusting cook time accordingly.
