Description
Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending classic Italian flavors with weeknight simplicity. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano to ensure deep flavor penetration.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for quick chicken browning.
- Sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
- Pour marinara sauce and water/broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful liquid base for cooking pasta.
- Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce, stirring to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
- Cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing pasta to absorb the sauce and cook thoroughly.
- When pasta is almost al dente, return chicken pieces to the skillet, gently mixing to redistribute heat and flavors.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface, creating a melty, golden cheese layer.
- Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Prevent chicken dryness by not overcooking, using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without turning rubbery.
- Select high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade for deeper, more authentic flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
- Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by substituting regular penne with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice-based options.
- Create a lighter version by using part-skim mozzarella and reducing parmesan quantity, maintaining delicious taste while cutting calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg