Description
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, golden-browned chicken with al dente penne pasta simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful one-pot dish perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large deep pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the same pot and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Prepare Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, water, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the penne pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking, and cook until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and grated Parmesan cheese evenly. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover the pot again, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve the dish warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt content if desired.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when adding Italian seasoning.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end with the cheese.
- Ensure to stir the pasta frequently during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
