Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy Italian-American dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich marinara sauce all made in a single skillet. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, offering a comforting, cheesy meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and season chicken: Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in the dry pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer pasta and chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened, and chicken is fully cooked.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet bottom.
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted marinara sauce.
- To reduce fat content, substitute part-skim mozzarella cheese.
