Description
Chicken Parmesan One Pot Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with penne pasta in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This one-pot recipe combines Italian seasonings and fresh basil for a flavorful, minimal-cleanup dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until it is lightly browned on the outside.
- Add garlic: Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in 2 cups marinara sauce and 2 cups chicken broth, then add 8 oz (225 g) uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta and chicken.
- Melt cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with ¼ cup chopped fresh basil and serve the dish hot for a cheesy, flavorful one-pot meal.
Notes
- Use short pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni for the best texture and even cooking.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it is fully cooked, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking and ensure tenderness.
- For a crispy Parmesan topping, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after melting the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, One Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
