Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This one pot wonder has rescued countless weeknight dinners in my house when everyone's hungry but I'm short on time and energy for multiple dishes. Tender cubes of seasoned chicken swim in rich marinara sauce alongside perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan that creates those irresistible cheese pulls we all love.

I stumbled onto this recipe during a particularly chaotic soccer season when I needed something that would satisfy both my teenage athletes and my pickier younger kids. Now it's become our Thursday night tradition, and I love how the whole kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant while it's cooking.

Ingredients

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Look for plump breasts without woody texture for the most tender results
• 1 teaspoon salt: Use kosher salt for the best seasoning distribution across the chicken
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Fresh pepper makes a noticeable difference in flavor
• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning: A quality blend with oregano, basil, and thyme elevates the entire dish
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps develop beautiful golden color
• 1 large sweet onion, minced: Sweet onions like Vidalia create a lovely caramelized base without harshness
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic beats pre minced every time for aromatic depth
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce: Choose a quality brand with simple ingredients or use homemade if you have it
• 16 oz rigatoni or penne pasta, cooked: The ridged surfaces of these shapes hold sauce beautifully
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre grated varieties
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Low moisture mozzarella prevents the dish from becoming watery
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil, minced: Fresh basil adds bright color and aromatic finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Cut your chicken breasts into uniform bite sized cubes, roughly 1 inch pieces. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, tossing gently with your hands to ensure every piece is well coated. This seasoning step is crucial for building flavor throughout the dish.

Sear for Golden Color:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large Dutch oven over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer without overcrowding, and sear for exactly 2 minutes on each side until beautifully golden. This browning creates incredible depth of flavor that will permeate the entire dish.

Build the Aromatic Base:

Remove the chicken and set aside, then add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add your minced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The fond left from the chicken will add amazing flavor to your onions.

Add Garlic and Sauce:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Simmer the Chicken:

Return the seared chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over each piece to coat completely. Cover and reduce heat to medium low, cooking for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The gentle simmer keeps the chicken tender while infusing it with sauce flavor.

Combine Pasta and Cheese:

Stir the cooked pasta into the saucy chicken mixture until every piece is well coated. Add the Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of the mozzarella, stirring gently on low heat until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta.

Create the Cheese Top:

Sprinkle the remaining 1¼ cups mozzarella evenly over the entire pasta mixture. Cover the pot and remove from heat, allowing it to sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a gorgeous, gooey layer.

Garnish and Serve:

Serve immediately while hot, garnishing each portion with fresh minced basil for a pop of color and bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. The contrast of flavors and textures makes every bite perfect.

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My favorite part of this recipe is actually the moment when you lift the lid after letting the cheese melt and see that perfect golden blanket on top. It reminds me of the chicken Parmesan from my favorite Italian restaurant growing up, but somehow this feels even more comforting because it's made at home with love.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This pasta tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a covered container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. For freezing, I recommend preparing the chicken and sauce mixture without the pasta, then adding freshly cooked pasta when you reheat for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or even egg noodles for variety. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the chicken or use part skim mozzarella. Some families love adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce base for extra nutrition and color. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic or use a spicy marinara sauce.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This hearty pasta stands beautifully on its own, but I love serving it with a simple Caesar salad and garlic bread for special occasions. The richness of the dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the cheese. For wine lovers, a medium bodied red like Chianti or even a crisp Pinot Grigio complements the tomato and cheese flavors perfectly.

Italian American Comfort Food Heritage

This dish represents the beautiful evolution of Italian cuisine in American kitchens, where convenience meets tradition. While traditional chicken Parmigiana requires breading and frying, this pasta version captures all those beloved flavors in a more approachable weeknight format. It's the kind of meal that brings families together around the dinner table, creating those warm memories that last long after the dishes are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, rigatoni or penne are ideal, but you can substitute with other sturdy pasta shapes like ziti or fusilli.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for best texture.

→ What can I use instead of chicken breast?

Boneless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives for a meat-free version.