One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Weeknight Dinner Made Easy

Craving cheesy, comforting chicken parmesan but short on time and dishes? This one-pot wonder is your answer! It combines juicy chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and al dente pasta all in a single pot for a hassle-free weeknight meal. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta and Sauce:
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (16-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 (12-ounce) box dried short-cut pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir gently.
4. Cook the Pasta: Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Cheese Time!: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the cheese melt, about 1 minute.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped basil (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Variety is Key: Swap the marinara for another pasta sauce like alfredo or pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Leftovers? This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Veggies Anyone? Feel free to add chopped vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the pot with the pasta for an extra boost of nutrients.