Description
A delicious and easy one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara, and cheesy goodness all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Italian-American dish is a comforting main course featuring penne pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid and Pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (toasted in a skillet with 1 tsp olive oil for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta to combine evenly with the sauce and liquid.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Optional Toppings and Serve: If desired, sprinkle toasted seasoned breadcrumbs and fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- For extra cheesy flavor, try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- To toast breadcrumbs, heat them in a skillet with 1 tsp olive oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
