Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet recipe. It combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a hearty pasta dish, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.
This recipe starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are breaded and cooked until golden brown. Then, a simple tomato sauce is made using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings. The cooked chicken is then nestled into the sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese for that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of pasta. Instead of serving the chicken and sauce over pasta, the pasta is cooked right in the skillet with the sauce and chicken, allowing it to soak up all of the delicious flavors. This not only saves time and dishes, but it also adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
So if you’re looking for a dinner that is packed with flavor and comes together in no time, give this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet recipe a try. Your family will thank you!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Make sure to gather all of these ingredients before starting the recipe. Once you have everything ready, you can begin preparing the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet!
Preparation
To prepare the chicken parmesan pasta skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step 1: Cook the pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the skillet
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin slices and place them on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and pasta.
Step 5: Bake the skillet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious chicken parmesan pasta skillet!
Cooking the Chicken
Before you start cooking the chicken, make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.
Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
Stovetop Method
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips or cubes, depending on your preference.
Oven Method
If you prefer baking the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes.
Now that the chicken is cooked and ready, you can proceed with making the delicious chicken parmesan pasta skillet!
Assembling the Dish
After the pasta and chicken are cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish. First, spread a layer of the cooked pasta at the bottom of a large skillet. Make sure to distribute it evenly.
Next, place the cooked chicken cutlets on top of the pasta. You can either arrange them in a single layer or overlap them slightly, depending on your preference.
Once the chicken is in place, pour the prepared marinara sauce on top. You can use as much or as little sauce as you’d like, depending on how saucy you want your dish to be.
After adding the sauce, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface with cheese for a gooey and delicious result.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and dried basil on top of the mozzarella. This will add a nice hint of saltiness and freshness to the dish.
Lastly, cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it on the stove over low heat. Let the dish cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is heated through.
Serving the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Once the dish is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Use a large spoon or tongs to plate the pasta, ensuring each serving gets a chicken cutlet. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for dinner with friends and family. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement the flavors. Bon appétit!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a delicious and filling dish on its own, but there are a few serving suggestions that can take it to the next level:
1. Garlic Bread: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet with some freshly baked garlic bread. The garlic bread will add a buttery and garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta.
2. Salad: Balance out the richness of the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad would be a great accompaniment.
3. Vegetables: Add some sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet. The vegetables will provide extra texture and nutrients to the dish.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Top the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The extra sprinkle of cheese will enhance the already cheesy flavor of the dish.
5. Herbs: Garnish the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet with some fresh basil or parsley. The herbs will not only add a pop of color but also a touch of freshness to the dish.
Remember to serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet hot and enjoy it with your favorite beverage!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet?
To make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef or ground turkey if you prefer.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet?
It takes about 30 minutes to cook Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet from start to finish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish when you’re ready to bake it.
