Save Comfort food at its best this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is what I turn to when everyone's hungry and I do not want a pile of dishes It is packed with hearty protein rich chicken tangy tomato marinara and pasta all blanketed in bubbly cheese If you crave Italian flavors but need dinner done fast this is your weeknight hero
I made this for my family on a weekday when time was tight We barely left leftovers It instantly joined our rotation and I have tweaked the veggies and cheese each time for fun This recipe feels like a treat but is simple enough to pull off after a long day
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump pieces for juicy protein make sure they are fresh to avoid dryness
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning matters here for depth and balance
- Italian seasoning: Adds classic herby flavor look for one with fragrant oregano and basil
- Penne or rotini pasta: Pick a sturdy shape that absorbs sauce well Gluten-free options work too
- Olive oil: Fruity notes that help brown the chicken and build a good base
- Fresh garlic: Adds punch and real flavor Mince just before cooking for boldness
- Marinara sauce: Go for a high-quality jar or homemade version with ripe tomato flavor
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Use for gentle depth and moisture without too much salt
- Red pepper flakes: These bring subtle heat optional but really wake up the flavors
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey Italian staple Buy whole milk mozzarella for best stretch
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp nutty finish Buy chunk and grate fresh for extra taste
- Fresh basil or parsley: Herbs for color and brightness Choose leaves that look perky and green
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Toss the diced chicken in a bowl with the salt pepper and Italian seasoning Massage seasonings in so each piece is coated This sets the flavor foundation before cooking
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high Once hot add chicken and spread it out Avoid crowding so pieces brown not steam Sear for four to five minutes until both sides are gently golden but the middle is still slightly raw Scoop chicken out onto a plate to rest
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Lower heat and add chopped garlic to the leftover oil Sauté for half a minute stirring often till garlic is fragrant but not brown The aromas here set the Italian tone
- Cook Pasta in Sauce:
- Pour in the dry pasta marinara sauce and chicken broth Use your spoon to scrape up any browned chicken bits stuck to the pan ensuring you do not miss any flavor Stir everything together
- Simmer Together:
- Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet Push pasta under the sauce Bring mixture just to a boil then lower heat Cover and let everything simmer gently for twelve to fourteen minutes Stir with a wooden spoon once or twice to keep pasta from sticking Check that pasta is al dente and chicken cooked through
- Melt the Cheese:
- Uncover skillet Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot pasta Cover again for two to three minutes to allow cheese to melt into gooey pools If you want a golden top transfer pan under broiler for two to three minutes watching closely so the cheese bubbles and browns but does not burn
- Garnish and Serve:
- Scatter fresh chopped basil or parsley over skillet right before serving This adds a pop of color and makes the dish look and taste cheerful Grab big spoons and serve hot
Save My favorite moments with this recipe are the bubbling cheese reveal after broiling and the extra crispy bits around the edge My daughter always grabs the pieces loaded with cheese on top That cheesy browned layer is my secret ingredient for making everyone smile
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge This skillet pasta tastes just as good the next day warmed in the microwave If you want to freeze portion into single servings and wrap tightly It keeps up to two months and thaws best overnight in the fridge
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap rotisserie chicken for raw or try shrimp for a seafood twist Mozzarella can be replaced with provolone or fontina and gluten-free pasta works great For more veggies add chopped spinach mushrooms or zucchini sautéed with the chicken
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad for contrast A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chili flakes on top looks beautiful A chilled Italian soda or sparkling water makes it a special weeknight meal
Cultural and Historical Notes
Chicken Parmesan and cheesy pasta come straight from Italian American comfort food traditions Baking everything together saves time and reflects how busy families adapted Italian recipes for home kitchens Marinara sauce and mozzarella always mean cozy warmth
Seasonal Adaptations
Add summer zucchini or bell peppers for extra freshness in warm months Try spinach or frozen peas for winter green accents Use cherry tomatoes as garnish in late summer Helpful notes about this recipe Pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits so add a splash of broth during reheating if you want it saucier Use a block of mozzarella and shred yourself for the best melt If broiling cheese watch closely as it can burn quickly
Success Stories
This skillet is my answer for last minute guests Kids love it adults appreciate it and you only need basic pantry items A friend tried it with gluten-free pasta and said it won her whole family over When I doubled the recipe it was just as easy and disappeared even faster
Freezer Meal Conversion
Make the recipe up to step five then cool completely Transfer everything into a freezer safe container Top with cheese when reheating in oven or microwave This process locks in the flavors and makes weekday dinners stress free
Save For the very best flavor and texture let the skillet rest a minute before serving The leftovers make a perfect comforting lunch the next day
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken can be added with the pasta and sauce to streamline preparation.
- → Which type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are recommended, but other short pasta shapes may be substituted as desired.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Opt for certified gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs, ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
- → Is the cheese topping optional?
Mozzarella and Parmesan add creaminess and flavor, but omit or substitute with dairy-free cheese if preferred.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers blend well for added nutrition and flavor.
- → How do I get a golden cheese top?
Broil the skillet uncovered for 2–3 minutes after adding cheese for a bubbly, lightly browned topping.