Description
Creamy one-pot chicken parmesan pasta merges Italian comfort with weeknight convenience, blending rich marinara and melted cheese. Loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, this quick meal promises deliciousness you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
Cheeses:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Liquid:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newmans Own)
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for the chicken protein.
- Season chicken pieces with aromatic Italian herbs, salt, and garlic essence, then sauté until golden and nearly cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a temporary holding plate, preserving the flavorful cooking residue in the pot.
- Introduce minced onion and garlic into the same pot, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant notes for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into the pot, then replenish the empty sauce container with water to capture every remaining drop of flavor.
- Bring the liquid mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle, consistent simmer.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken pieces and raw pasta directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring complete ingredient integration.
- Cover the pot and allow contents to meld together, stirring periodically to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Incorporate Parmesan and a portion of mozzarella, stirring until the cheeses create a smooth, velvety coating.
- Distribute remaining mozzarella across the dish’s surface, creating an enticing cheese blanket.
- Continue cooking briefly until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling layer.
- Optional: Enhance with additional dried herbs and fresh green garnishes like parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately while cheese remains delightfully stretchy and warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, comforting flavors of the original dish.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and limiting added salt, perfect for those watching their salt intake.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the cooking process, increasing the dish’s fiber and vitamin content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg