Description
Homemade chicken parmesan pasta delivers a comforting Italian-American classic with crispy chicken and melted cheese. Layers of flavor and texture create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, releasing aromatic garlic until golden and fragrant.
- Pour marinara sauce and liquid into the skillet, creating a simmering base with gentle bubbling.
- Submerge pasta completely in the liquid, ensuring each strand is covered and cooking for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate tender cooked chicken pieces into the pasta mixture, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and cracked black pepper for robust flavor.
- Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the pasta, allowing them to melt and create a creamy, golden blanket.
- Allow cheese to become completely melted and slightly bubbly, creating a glossy, appetizing surface.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic garnish and serve immediately while hot and steam is rising.
Notes
- Choose a wide, deep skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from sticking or burning during the simmering process.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged grated options.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth to the dish’s taste profile.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta without compromising the recipe’s overall texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 483 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg