Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a comforting, one-pan Italian-inspired dish combining tender chicken breast slices, al dente pasta cooked right in a savory marinara and chicken broth base, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers classic flavors with easy preparation and minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta and sauce)
Protein & Dairy
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce & Liquids
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dry Goods & Seasonings
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets or bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through to lock in juiciness and create a caramelized crust.
- Add Aromatics: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan until fragrant and translucent, absorbing the browned bits.
- Pour in Sauce and Pasta: Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, and uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and bring to a simmer. The pasta will cook in the flavorful liquid as the chicken finishes cooking.
- Let It Simmer: Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for color and freshness. Serve directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Thin slices of chicken cook faster and stay tender without drying out.
- Using chicken broth adds flavor and prevents pasta from sticking or drying out.
- Use good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for best taste and melt.
- Cover the skillet while melting cheese for a smooth, luscious finish.
- If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, One-Pan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Italian Skillet, Weeknight Meal, Chicken Pasta Skillet, Comfort Food