Description
Savory One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta blends Italian-American comfort flavors in a single skillet. Home cooks can enjoy a creamy, cheesy meal with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Searing Protein: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Introduce diced chicken seasoned with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken develops golden-brown edges and reaches complete internal doneness. Remove chicken and set aside on a separate plate.
- Pasta Foundation: Without cleaning the pot, pour chicken broth and marinara sauce. Add uncooked pasta, stirring to ensure even ingredient distribution. Increase heat to achieve a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, occasionally stirring, until pasta absorbs liquid and becomes perfectly tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Cheese Integration: Return cooked chicken to the pasta mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the surface, gently folding to incorporate. Distribute shredded mozzarella over the top, covering with a lid to allow residual heat to melt the cheese into a creamy, luxurious layer.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chicken Browning Technique: Ensure chicken pieces are patted dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
- Pasta Liquid Ratio: Use precise liquid measurements to prevent soggy or undercooked pasta; adjust broth slightly if pasta seems too dry during cooking.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Remove pot from heat when adding cheese to prevent overcooking or separating, allowing residual warmth to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Quick Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free varieties, use plant-based cheese alternatives, or substitute chicken with tofu for vegetarian preferences without compromising overall dish structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 505
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg