Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan Pasta to bring everyone to the table. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a cheesy tomato sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.

I first made this recipe on a busy weekday when I needed a dish that was quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen – a surefire hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Ready to fall in love with a new favorite? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Get ready to add this Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe to your regular dinner rotation. It’s not only delicious but also ticks every box for a hassle-free, satisfying meal.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and minimal prep, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple yet comforting.

The flavors are irresistible. Think juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey, melty cheese. Every bite is a blend of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

This dish is also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking to clean out your pantry, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your needs.

Finally, cleanup is a breeze. Since everything cooks in one pot, you won’t be stuck scrubbing multiple pans at the end of the night. What’s not to love?

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the key components that make this dish shine.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs offer a slightly richer flavor. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal. Their ridges hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works if you prefer.
• Marinara Sauce: A high-quality store-bought marinara saves time without sacrificing flavor. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade marinara is an excellent choice too!
• Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan gives this dish its signature cheesy, golden topping. For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the cheese mix.
• Broth and Water: These ensure the pasta cooks evenly while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce and chicken.

You’ll also need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to prepare this dish. The size is important to avoid overcrowding the ingredients as they cook.

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these steps to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and let it shimmer before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides, then remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir in your pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again to let the cheese melt, or broil it in the oven for a golden-brown finish.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. From start to finish, the whole process takes about 40 minutes.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Chicken Parmesan Pasta stores beautifully, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
• Freezer: This dish freezes well too! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce as needed. The cheese will melt beautifully again, and the flavors will remain just as delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Chicken Parmesan Pasta is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

• Protein Swap: Try using ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or eggplant instead.
• Cheese Choices: Mix up the cheese by incorporating provolone, fontina, or even a dollop of ricotta for added creaminess.
• Pasta Alternatives: If you’re cutting carbs, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Cook these separately and toss them with the sauce and chicken at the end.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
• Herbaceous Touch: Stir in fresh spinach or arugula at the end for a boost of greens and a pop of color.

No matter how you tweak it, this dish will remain a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta tonight, and watch it disappear as quickly as you serve it. With its rich flavors, cheesy goodness, and one-pot convenience, it’s destined to become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy!

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