Make this comforting, cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. This recipe delivers classic Italian flavors quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
8 ounces dry penne or rotini pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. The chicken does not need to be cooked through yet.
Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, basil, and oregano into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, stir in the dry pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, if using.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the pot again for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
Stir gently to combine the melted cheese into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a less creamy version, skip the heavy cream and add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth during the simmering stage.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the pot for the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Use good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor in your quick homemade pasta sauce.