Chicken Parmesan Pasta Dinner

Chicken parmesan pasta is the answer to busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and full of flavor without all the fuss or dishes. This one-pot recipe brings together the best parts of classic chicken parmesan and tosses them with hearty pasta and gooey cheese for a family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself.

The first time I threw this together was on a hectic night when the kids had soccer practice I loved how quickly it came together and now it is on regular rotation in our house

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: This lean protein keeps the dish light and cooks up quickly Try to select chicken breasts that are pink and firm for best freshness
• Salt and pepper: These keep the chicken from tasting bland and bring out the natural flavors Opt for sea salt and freshly cracked pepper if you can
• Italian seasoning: Gives the whole dish that herby flavor you expect from chicken parmesan Use a quality dried blend or fresh Italian herbs if you have some
• Olive oil: Adds richness and is used for both searing and sauteing Pick a fruity extra virgin olive oil for the best taste
• Sweet onion: Brings natural sweetness and roundness to the sauce Look for onions with shiny skins and no soft spots
• Minced garlic: Infuses a bold flavor into the sauce Chop your own fresh garlic for the best punch
• Marinara sauce: The base of all that saucy goodness Use your favorite brand or homemade and look for a sauce with simple ingredients
• Rigatoni or penne pasta: Short pasta shapes grab onto all the sauce and cheese Choose a brand made with durum wheat for texture
• Grated parmesan: Brings a salty nutty kick Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor instead of the pre-grated kind
• Shredded mozzarella: This is what makes every bite melty and stretchy Pick a low-moisture mozzarella for that perfect cheese pull
• Fresh basil for garnish: Adds brightness just before serving Use whole leaves or slice them into thin ribbons for the best look

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Cut the chicken into cubes and toss them thoroughly in salt pepper and Italian seasoning making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor

Sear the Chicken:

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat Once the oil shimmers arrange the chicken in a single layer Allow it to cook undisturbed for two minutes each side This helps develop a flavorful crust Remove the chicken and set aside in a bowl

Make the Sauce:

Add the remaining olive oil into the same Dutch oven Reduce the heat a bit and add the minced onion Cook slowly until translucent stirring occasionally This might take around five minutes Add the minced garlic next and cook for another minute until you smell the aroma Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan

Cook the Chicken in the Sauce:

Return the partly cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot Stir it into the sauce making sure it is submerged Put the lid on and simmer on medium-low for fifteen to twenty minutes Check that the chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of one six five degrees Fahrenheit

Put Everything Together:

Add your cooked pasta straight into the saucy chicken mixture Stir to combine fully Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and about a quarter cup of mozzarella Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts and creates a cohesive sauce

Finish with Cheese:

Evenly scatter the remaining mozzarella over the top Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes allowing the cheese to become fully melted and gooey on top

Serve:

Spoon the pasta onto plates and generously top with fresh basil just before serving for a bright hit of flavor

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I always look forward to adding that final sprinkle of parmesan since my youngest insists on doing his own “snowfall” over his bowl This dish reminds me of Sunday family dinners because of how everyone gathers around and takes seconds

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days If you plan ahead you can prepare the saucy chicken and cheese mixture without the pasta and freeze it for up to three months Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in freshly cooked pasta for that same just made texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier result You can use gluten free pasta for sensitivities or try cooked zucchini noodles for a lighter version If you love heat add red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra veggies

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken parmesan pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a well rounded meal A side of roasted broccoli or simple steamed green beans is my favorite way to add some color to the table

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Cultural Context

This dish combines the American Italian tradition of chicken parmesan with the comfort of pasta casseroles found across the United States It is a weeknight evolution of restaurant flavors and homestyle convenience echoing how Italian American families adapted classic recipes for busy schedules and big gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ Can homemade marinara be used instead of jarred sauce?

Absolutely, homemade marinara delivers fresh, robust flavor and is a great choice if you have time to make it.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead and freeze it?

Yes, simply combine the cooked chicken, sauce, parmesan, and some mozzarella, then freeze. Thaw and finish with pasta and cheese before serving.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short-cut pasta like rigatoni or penne holds the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.

→ What size Dutch oven is recommended?

An 8-quart Dutch oven is ideal, but anything between 6-8 quarts will accommodate this dish comfortably.

→ How do you get gooey melted cheese on top?

Sprinkle mozzarella over the finished dish, cover, and let it rest off the heat to let the cheese melt to perfection.