Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and convenient Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheeses all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it uses simple pantry ingredients and results in a creamy, comforting pasta meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Base and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the cooked chicken and sauté for another minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic releases its aroma without burning.
- Add liquids and bring to boil: Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the cheeses: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt into a creamy sauce.
- Thicken and serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with rotini or rigatoni for a different pasta shape.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make the pasta creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
