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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a comforting one-pan dish combining tender chicken breasts, creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful marinara sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, family-friendly meal ideal for busy weeknights with rich, cheesy goodness and simple preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth (for cooking pasta)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Add Sauce: In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Combine Chicken and Cheese: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Add fresh basil leaves if using for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and savory combination.

Notes

  • Slice chicken breasts thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.
  • Cook pasta al dente since it will continue to soften under the melted cheese.
  • Use fresh garlic for vibrant flavor instead of powdered garlic.
  • Reserve some pasta water; add a splash if the sauce becomes too thick to help coat the pasta better.
  • Cover tightly when melting cheese to trap steam and achieve a perfectly gooey topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, pasta skillet, easy dinner, one-pan meal, Italian comfort food, cheesy pasta, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-parmesan-pasta-skillet/