Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a simple and delicious meal that combines the flavors of a classic dish with the ease of a weeknight dinner. Featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken, and melty cheese, this easy recipe is the perfect choice for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without much fuss.
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
I love a good cheesy pasta dish, and this one hits all the marks. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you’re craving comfort food. This recipe brings together all the flavors of chicken parmesan without the hassle of breading and frying the chicken. It’s a regular in my weeknight meal rotation, making it a go-to for busy nights that my whole family loves.
If you love a quick and cheesy pasta skillet dinner recipe, check out my Beef Enchilada Pasta.
Simple Ingredients
- Penne pasta – The perfect base for this dish, holding the sauce and cheese.
- Olive oil – Used for cooking the chicken.
- Chicken breasts – Provides lean protein and absorbs the flavors of the sauce and seasonings. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for faster prep time.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
- Marinara sauce – Creates the tomato sauce flavor found in traditional chicken parmesan.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and marinara.
- Italian seasoning – Brings out Italian flavors.
- Garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
Making the Pasta Skillet
- Cook the pasta – Cook the penne pasta to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season the chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper while the pasta cooks.
- Cook the chicken – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Combine ingredients – Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Melt the cheese – Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve – Serve hot and enjoy.
Variations and substitutions
Pasta – Use your favorite pasta shape. I recommend a short pasta that the sauce will stick to. Rotini, bowtie, or even shells are all good options.
Marinara sauce – Elevate the flavor by using homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought. You’ll need three cups in total.
Protein – Mix up the protein by using chicken tenders, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ground turkey, or even ground beef.
Vegetables – Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s nutritional content. I recommend sauteing the vegetables while cooking the chicken.
Spice – Add a kick to the dish by adding 1/2 a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Tips for success
- Cook pasta al dente – Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. This ensures the pasta maintains a nice texture and doesn’t become mushy.
- Season chicken generously – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their flavor. Don’t be afraid to season generously; it adds depth to the dish.
- Don’t overcook chicken – Cook the chicken just until browned and cooked through to avoid drying it out. Overcooked chicken can become tough and lose its juiciness.
- Simmer for flavor – After adding the ingredients, allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Let cheese melt – After sprinkling the mozzarella cheese over the skillet, cover it and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to melt evenly and create a gooey, cheesy topping.
How to store the Chicken Parm Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally, until warmed.
While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Press out any excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into 1/2 inch pieces (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce 3 cups
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to just al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Add the Mariana, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, cover, and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Press out any excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.
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