Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in half an hour with minimal preparation.
• One-Pot Meal: Simplify your cooking and cleanup by using just a single pot for the entire recipe.
• Family-Friendly: Combining familiar flavors and ingredients, it's a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to accommodate dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid.

4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is cooked through.

5. Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded mozzarella until melted and well combined.

6. Melt Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Addition: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shrimp to change up the protein profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through without overcooking.

2. What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or use plant-based protein alternatives. Ensure the broth is vegetable-based.

4. How can I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking, and ensure there's enough liquid in the pot.

5. Is it okay to use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce works well and allows you to control the seasoning and ingredients.

6. Can I add wine to the sauce?

A splash of white or red wine can enhance the flavor. Add it after sautéing the garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the marinara sauce and broth.

7. What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

Provolone or fontina cheese are good substitutes that melt well and complement the flavors.

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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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Indulge in the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan transformed into a simple, one-pot pasta dish. This easy and delicious recipe features tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and hearty pasta, all cooked together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is family-friendly, easy to clean up, and packed with comforting Italian flavors.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.

2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3️⃣ Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it's submerged.

4️⃣ Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and chicken is fully cooked.

5️⃣ Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until melted and combined.

6️⃣ Melt Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes until melted.

7️⃣ Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

• Vegetables: Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Protein Swaps: Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shrimp.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and marinara sauce.