Description
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is the ultimate 20-minute weeknight dinner hero—juicy chicken, tender penne pasta, and marinara sauce, all bubbling together under a gooey layer of mozzarella. This one-pan wonder combines the flavors of classic chicken parmesan with cheesy skillet pasta comfort, saving you time and dishes without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 jar (24 oz / 710 ml) marinara sauce
⅓ cup (30 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Season Chicken: Toss diced chicken with salt and pepper.
Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Build Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 4–5 minutes.
Cheese Topping: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and let cheese melt for about 5 minutes.
Serve: Dish up hot, and enjoy your cheesy, saucy masterpiece.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to soften in the sauce.
Use evenly cut chicken pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
A high-quality marinara makes a big difference.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for variety.
For a crispy top, broil for 2 minutes after adding cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pan/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American