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Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick, comforting one-pot meal combining tender seasoned chicken breasts with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly Italian-inspired dish that’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti (regular or gluten-free)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Fresh Herbs

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest before slicing or shredding.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and extra Italian herbs. Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Layer sliced chicken on top of the pasta and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, allowing the cheese to melt and get bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for better melting and creaminess.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
  • Simmer sauce gently to preserve fresh tomato flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and integrate the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Italian comfort food, quick pasta dinner, one-pot meal, family-friendly recipe, gluten-free pasta, easy chicken recipe