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To make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you need the following ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a dish that is both tasty and easy to make. The chicken gives you protein, while the pasta fills you up. Garlic and Italian seasoning add great flavors. Crushed tomatoes and broth create a nice sauce. The cheeses melt in, making it creamy and rich. Fresh basil on top adds a pop of color and taste. When picking your ingredients, always choose high-quality ones. Fresh chicken and good cheese make a big difference. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience. You will love how easy it is to make and how good it tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Cooking the chicken Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. - Sautéing garlic and spices After the chicken cooks, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic should smell fragrant but not burn. - Combining with tomatoes and broth Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This step builds flavor for your pasta. - Adding penne and simmering Now, add the penne pasta to the pot. Stir to make sure the pasta is well mixed in. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to check it occasionally so it doesn’t stick. - Stirring to prevent sticking As the pasta simmers, stir it every few minutes. This helps to keep the pasta from clumping together. You want each piece to absorb the sauce and flavors. - Incorporating cheeses Once the pasta is cooked al dente, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. - Garnishing with basil Top the pasta with the rest of the mozzarella. Place the lid back on for a few minutes. This melts the cheese nicely. Finally, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving. The basil adds a burst of color and flavor. To ensure that the chicken stays juicy and tender, cook it just right. Sauté the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden color and make sure it’s cooked all the way through. Don't rush this step, as overcooked chicken can become dry. Stirring the pasta often is key to a great dish. When you add the penne, mix it into the broth and tomatoes. This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking. Stir every few minutes to keep it loose and delicious. If you want to switch up the pasta, try different shapes. Bow tie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type. For cheese, you can use any melty kind you like. If you want a stronger flavor, consider using aged provolone or gouda. They add a unique twist to the dish. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Adding basil right before serving gives a bright taste. You can also try parsley or oregano for different flavors. Consider adding spices for extra kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You could also try smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. These small changes can take your dish to the next level. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to dried alternatives. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference for a more personalized flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella and Parmesan combination. {{image_2}} You can make your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta more colorful and healthy by adding vegetables. Here are some great options: - Bell Peppers: Sweet and crunchy, they cook quickly and add color. - Spinach: This wilts fast and gives a nice green touch. - Zucchini: Slice it thin for a soft texture. - Broccoli: Cut it into small florets for bite-sized pieces. When cooking vegetables, remember to adjust cooking times: - Bell peppers and zucchini need about 5 minutes. - Spinach takes just a minute or two to wilt. - Broccoli may need about 7 minutes to become tender. If you want to change the protein, try these options: - Shrimp: Cook them for 3-4 minutes until pink for a seafood twist. - Turkey: Ground turkey works well and cooks quickly. - Vegetarian Options: Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a hearty meal. These swaps keep the dish tasty while offering different flavors and textures. You can also experiment with the sauce for new tastes: - Creamy Sauce: Add cream or a bit of cream cheese for richness. - Spicy Tomato Add-Ins: Toss in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. These sauce changes can completely change the dish, making it unique each time you cook it. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. This helps keep it fresh. Use an airtight container to prevent drying out. Glass containers work well, as they do not absorb odors. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they are BPA-free. Label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it's been stored. To freeze One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, allow it to cool down completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing it. This helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. In the refrigerator, this dish lasts about 3-4 days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to 2-3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has changed color, it's best to throw it away. Keeping track of storage time helps ensure you enjoy your meal at its best flavor. It takes about 30 minutes to make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. You need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and chicken takes about 20 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it as usual and let it cool. Then store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later. You can pair this dish with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - Roasted zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor. These sides will make your meal more filling and tasty! You can create a delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with simple steps. We covered ingredients, instructions, and storage tips to make this dish a hit. Remember to adjust for your tastes; add veggies or change cheeses as you wish. With the right methods, you’ll always have a tasty meal ready. I hope you enjoy cooking this recipe as much as I do! It’s easy, fun, and satisfying.

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken, pasta, and cheesy goodness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the penne pasta and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese, covering it evenly, then replace the lid for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the pot or transfer to a deep serving dish. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for color and flavor.
Keyword cheesy, chicken, one pot, pasta