Description
Comfort meets Italian charm in this chicken parmesan pasta, blending crispy chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), creating a golden searing environment for the chicken cubes.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until exterior turns crispy and golden brown, ensuring thorough internal cooking (approximately 6-8 minutes).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s heat and remaining flavorful residue.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing aromatic notes to develop and permeate the cooking surface for 30-45 seconds.
- Pour pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, thoroughly mixing ingredients to create a uniform sauce.
- Elevate mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering skillet and allowing pasta to simmer and absorb liquid (12-15 minutes).
- Gently stir pasta periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking and sauce distribution.
- Incorporate previously cooked chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, cohesive texture.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh basil across the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately while pasta remains hot and cheese stays wonderfully melted.
Notes
- Swap protein options by using tofu, shrimp, or ground turkey for diverse dietary needs.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them for mild palates.
- Choose whole wheat pasta to increase fiber and nutritional value of the dish.
- Use low-sodium broth and marinara sauce for heart-healthy modifications.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg