Description
Chicken Parmesan One Pot Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and rich marinara sauce all cooked together in one skillet. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh basil, this easy-to-make meal offers classic Italian-American flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Base and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat to prepare the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper evenly to coat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned on the outside.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked 8 ounces of penne pasta and mix well so the pasta is submerged.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the cooked pasta and chicken.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle ¼ cup chopped fresh basil over the dish, and serve immediately for a warm, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use short pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni for best results.
- Add a splash of chicken broth during cooking if the pasta becomes too thick before it is fully cooked.
- For a crispy Parmesan topping, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after adding the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, One Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
