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chicken parmesan pasta recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 30 minutes
With melty cheese and marinara over pasta! So comforting, so easy. Classic Italian flavor in one dish!
5 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless , skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese , plus more for serving
  • ½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Substitution Ideas:
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
  • Substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version
  • Replace marinara with arrabbiata sauce for a spicier kick
  • Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles
  • Try whole wheat pasta for added fiber
  • If you enjoy baking desserts as much as savory dishes , you might also like this Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe for a sweet treat after your pasta dinner!

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
    Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The key here is not to overcrowd your pan – if your skillet isn't large enough, cook in batches for that perfect golden exterior.
    Step 2: Cook the Pasta
    While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, but subtract 1 minute from the cooking time for al dente texture. This slightly firmer pasta will continue cooking in the sauce later, avoiding mushiness. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
    Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
    Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (watch carefully as garlic burns quickly!). Add red pepper flakes if using and the remaining Italian seasoning, stirring to release the aromatic oils.
    Step 4: Create the Sauce
    Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, scraping the bottom to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken (this is where the magic happens!). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
    Step 5: Combine and Bake
    Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses throughout the mixture. Top with remaining cheeses and the breadcrumbs for that signature chicken parmesan crunch. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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