Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy Italian-American skillet dinner that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in one pot. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Spices & Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta & Cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
- Melt remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to reduce cook time significantly.
- Add chopped spinach or zucchini during the simmer step for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, add a splash more chicken broth or water to loosen it.
