Description
Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible one-pot chicken parmesan pasta that combines classic Italian flavors with weeknight ease. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this simple dish brings restaurant-quality satisfaction directly to your kitchen, promising deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Dairy and Cheese:
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups (200 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
- Add diced chicken seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces, stirring periodically, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
- Utilize the same pot without washing, pouring in chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked pasta. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Elevate the heat to generate a boiling point, then immediately reduce to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.
- Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken into the pasta mixture, folding it gently to integrate all components.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the surface, stirring to create a creamy, integrated texture.
- Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then cover the pot, letting the residual heat melt the cheese into a luxurious blanket.
- Once the cheese has melted completely, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.
Notes
- Customize chicken cooking by using chicken thighs for richer flavor or turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Select marinara sauce carefully, choosing low-sodium varieties to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
- Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring frequently and ensuring enough liquid covers the pasta during cooking process.
- Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during sauce simmering stage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg