Description
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal combining tender chicken pieces, al dente penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for a family dinner that satisfies comfort food cravings with Italian flair.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 inch pieces (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (3 cups)
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it is just al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta carefully, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use later in the sauce.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through without any pink in the middle.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: To the skillet with cooked chicken, add the 3 cups marinara sauce, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, the cooked penne pasta, and the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Mozzarella and Melt: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet’s contents. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the mozzarella to melt into a delicious, gooey topping.
- Serve: After the cheese has melted, serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet hot, directly from the pan for an easy, hearty Italian-inspired meal your family will love.
Notes
- Be sure to reserve pasta water before draining; it helps to loosen the sauce and keep the dish creamy.
- You can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish before serving.
- If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- This recipe can be prepared gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
