Description
A comforting and delicious one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. Tender bites of chicken cooked with savory marinara and pasta, all simmered together to meld the flavors before being topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. An Italian-American classic made simple in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer until cooked: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm for a hearty and cheesy meal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the dish before serving.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time; add it after the pasta has cooked.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
