Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts, zesty marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in one pot. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil, it’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Thoroughly season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to impart robust flavors.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they develop a golden brown crust on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it to maintain a fresh garlic aroma.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, preparing the pasta to cook in the flavorful liquids.
- Cook Chicken and Pasta Together: Slice the browned chicken breasts and add them back into the pot. Cover and continue cooking on medium-low heat until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta and chicken. Cover the pot and allow the cheese to melt into the hot mixture, creating a creamy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and an extra layer of fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta alternatives.
