Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 24 ounces marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is the ultimate weeknight warrior, a dish that effortlessly combines the comforting embrace of Italian-American classics with the speed and simplicity of a one-pan meal. Who doesn’t dream of tender chicken breast, coated in crispy breadcrum extractbs, nestled amongst perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a rich, tangy tomato sauce and topped with a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese? It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to the table, a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up. What truly makes this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet sing is the alchemy that happens in a single skillet: the flavors meld beautifully, the chicken gets incredibly juicy, and the pasta absorbs all that delicious sauce. Forget the fuss of multiple pots and pans; this is pure, unadulterated comfort food, elevated and streamlined.

Ingredients:

8 ounces penne pasta
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
24 ounces (approximately 3 cups) marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Chicken

Searing the Chicken

Begin extract by preparing your chicken. Ensure the chicken breasts are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This will help them cook evenly. Pat the diced chicken dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to achieve a good sear, as excess moisture will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
Season the dried chicken generously with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, and the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Make sure each piece is well coated. This seasoning blend will infuse the chicken with classic Italian flavors right from the start.
Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (about 10-12 inches in diameter) over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when it shimmers slightly. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding will lead to steaming and prevent the chicken from developing a nice crust.
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about a little bit of brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; these are flavor!

Assembling the Pasta Skillet

Combining and Simmering

Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium. Pour the 24 ounces of marinara sauce into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
Add the 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta directly into the marinara sauce in the skillet. Stir the pasta into the sauce to ensure all the pieces are submerged. It might look like a lot of sauce, but the pasta will absorb liquid as it cooks.
Pour in 1 cup of water or chicken broth (not listed as an ingredient, but essential for cooking the pasta) into the skillet. Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce and pasta mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
Let the pasta cook, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (tender but still has a slight bite). Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick during this process, you can add a splash more water or broth.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Melting the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the lid from the skillet. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta and sauce mixture.
Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and pasta. Then, sprinkle the 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. The combination of cheeses will create a deliciously gooey and flavorful topping.
Place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can brown things very quickly. This step is key to achieving that classic Chicken Parmesan look and taste.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to meld. Serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet hot, directly from the skillet, with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delightful and incredibly easy “Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet”! This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a one-pan meal. The tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with gooey, melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil, create a truly satisfying dish. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that feels special enough for guests. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this “Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet” as much as I do!

For serving, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes for a perfect accompaniment. This dish is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables, or swap out the marinara for a creamy rosé sauce for a different flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, too!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, feel free to use penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time slightly according to the pasta package directions.

How can I make this vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of the “Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet,” simply omit the chicken and add in some sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or even eggplant. You can also add a plant-based protein like chickpeas or white beans for extra heartiness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare some components ahead of time, such as cooking the pasta and sautéing the chicken. However, for the best texture and to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, it’s best to assemble and cook the final skillet dish just before serving.