- Simplicity: Cooking everything in one pot streamlines the process and reduces cleanup time.
- Flavorful: The combination of savory chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese creates a delicious, hearty dish.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Fresh basil for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheeses: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella until melted and well incorporated.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms by adding them when sautéing the garlic.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or add a sprinkle of gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Options: Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat portions in a microwave-safe dish until warmed through, or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to maintain moisture.
FAQs
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. Using a non-stick pot can also help.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Add it to the pot when combining all ingredients to prevent overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken with vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole-grain pasta, low-sodium marinara sauce, and reduce the amount of cheese to lower calories and increase nutritional value.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
What can I serve alongside this pasta?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.
How do I know when the pasta is cooked?
The pasta is done when it’s al dente—tender but still firm to the bite.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheeses like provolone or gouda can be used for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a convenient and delicious meal that brings the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan to your table with ease. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich taste make it a perfect choice for any night of the week.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines the savory flavors of chicken Parmesan with tender pasta in a single pot, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features juicy chicken pieces, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, delivering a comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Protein: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Pasta: 1 pound penne pasta
- Sauce: 24 ounces marinara sauce
- Cheeses: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Seasoning: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper (to taste)
- Liquid: 3 cups chicken broth
- Garnish: Fresh basil
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook Garlic: In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Combine Ingredients: Add browned chicken, uncooked penne, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to mix.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan and half the mozzarella until melted.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- To add heat, include red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Use gluten-free pasta or whole-wheat pasta for dietary preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
