Description
Comfort meets elegance in this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending Italian classics with convenient cooking. Rich marinara sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
- Generously coat chicken strips with the prepared seasoning mix, massaging spices into the meat for deep flavor penetration.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, creating an ideal searing environment.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding.
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Add penne pasta and marinara sauce, stirring to coat pasta evenly and prevent sticking.
- Pour in enough water to cover pasta, then simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding into the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a melty, luxurious layer.
- Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until perfectly gooey and slightly bubbling.
- Optional: Drizzle heavy cream for added richness and creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a generous mix of pasta, chicken, and melted cheese.
Notes
- Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor absorption throughout the dish.
- Create a customized spice blend by adjusting seasoning ratios to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta or cauliflower pasta for low-carb and celiac-friendly variations.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or almond milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg