Description
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending Italian-inspired flavors with simple home cooking. Cheesy, herby, and packed with juicy chicken, this dish delivers a complete meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses in one delectable skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear chicken pieces in a large pot over medium-high heat at 375°F until golden brown and slightly crispy, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
- Pour marinara sauce and water directly over the chicken, ensuring even liquid distribution throughout the pot.
- Add uncooked pasta into the liquid, gently stirring to prevent sticking and create a uniform mixture.
- Increase heat to high, bringing the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
- Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer for 11-13 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to bottom.
- Test pasta for desired tenderness, ensuring it reaches perfect al dente consistency with slight resistance when bitten.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, allowing them to melt and create a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Incorporate red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, stirring gently to distribute spice evenly throughout the dish.
- Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and cheese to fully integrate with other ingredients.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, providing a bright, aromatic finish to the one-pot meal.
Notes
- Choose lean chicken breasts for a healthier version of the dish, trimming excess fat before cooking.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and customize the flavor profile.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the simmering stage for increased nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg