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When I first stumbled upon this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet recipe, I knew I’d found something special. It’s the ultimate one-pan dinner that brings the comforting flavors of a classic Chicken Parmesan into an effortlessly delicious pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or quick family meals, this recipe combines tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, topped with bubbling cheese that’s sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet stand out? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to make – you can whip it up in about 30 minutes! It’s also budget-friendly and uses minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner without breaking the bank. Whether you’re juggling work and family or just want a comforting dish on a chilly evening, this recipe is here to save the day.
"This is now my go-to recipe for a quick family meal. It’s so easy, and the kids love it!"
The Cooking Process Explained
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet recipe is a breeze to follow! First, you’ll sauté diced chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, then add marinara sauce to bring everything together. Next, you’ll introduce the penne pasta and let it simmer in a fragrant mixture of flavors. As everything melds, the melting cheeses create that irresistible final touch.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Items:
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
If you’re in need of substitutions, rotini or rigatoni pasta can work just as well as penne. Additionally, you can easily swap the chicken for ground turkey or even a plant-based protein to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Directions to Follow
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Blend in Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta directly to the skillet, followed by 2 cups of water. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer for around 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the water has been absorbed.
Melt the Cheese: After the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Give it another 2-3 minutes on the heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a meal on its own, but if you want to elevate it, consider a crisp side salad with a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread pairs beautifully, too, helping to scoop up all that cheesy goodness! For drinks, a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the flavors perfectly.
How to Store
After your meal, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm, stirring midway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Pasta Perfection: For an extra flavor boost, try cooking the penne in chicken broth instead of water.
- Chicken Variations: Feel free to cube the chicken into smaller pieces for a quicker cook time, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on your cooking time.
- Cheesiness Factor: If you want a cheesier dish, add more mozzarella or try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for unique flavors.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative! Swap in your favorite veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition. You can also spice it up with some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or replace the marinara with pesto for a fresh twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this dish take to prepare?
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet can be on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or any pasta shape you love.
What are storage tips for leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
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PrintChicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
A comforting one-pan dinner that combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan with tender penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce topped with melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Blend in the marinara sauce, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
- Cook pasta: Add the penne pasta directly to the skillet, followed by 2 cups of water. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer for around 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the water has been absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: After the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Give it another 2-3 minutes on the heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & serve: If desired, garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Can substitute penne with other pasta shapes, and chicken can be replaced with ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg