Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious meal combining tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil, it’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with flavorful spices.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on both sides, ensuring a nicely seared exterior. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant to deepen the flavor of the dish.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and penne pasta. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Chicken and Pasta: Slice the browned chicken breasts and add the slices back into the pot. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce flavors.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta and chicken. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt, creating a creamy, cheesy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma before serving hot.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but penne works best to hold the sauce.
- If you want extra heat, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
