Description
Savory one-pot chicken parmesan pasta brings Italian comfort to your weeknight dinner table. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta combine for a delightful meal you can easily prepare in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, diced
- 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups (200 g) penne or rigatoni pasta, uncooked
- 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- basil leaves, fresh (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat with olive oil. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, cooking until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Create Pasta Base: In the same pot, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Simmer and Develop: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente and liquid thickens, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Integrate Components: Fold the reserved chicken back into the pasta, ensuring even incorporation of all ingredients.
- Cheese Fusion: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the pasta, stirring to create a creamy consistency. Top with mozzarella cheese, covering the pot to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese completely.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Plate immediately, pairing with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during simmering to ensure pasta doesn’t clump or burn at the bottom of the pot.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from heat when adding cheese to prevent overcooking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Protein Customization: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary preferences or vegetarian options.
- Liquid Adjustment: Have extra chicken broth on hand in case pasta requires more moisture during cooking to achieve perfect al dente consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg