Irresistible Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
A comforting blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingrédients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni) Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is recommended for better melting
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer for about 3–5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta once it is cooked.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, mixing it well with the marinara sauce and chicken. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving hot.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. For a gourmet touch, finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or balsamic glaze. Serve in a deep bowl and add a fresh basil leaf for presentation.