Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a convenient, single pot meal. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Italian spices are browned and then simmered with penne pasta in a rich marinara sauce and chicken broth. Finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil, this dish is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner 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
Sauce & Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to prepare for cooking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add sauce and pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in the penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook chicken and pasta together: Slice the browned chicken breasts into pieces and add them back into the pot. Cover the pot and let everything cook together until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, approximately 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta and chicken. Cover again and let the cheeses melt, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for bright flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal!
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; you can substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before adding the cheese.
- Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the liquids and pasta expanding as it cooks.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
