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Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A quick and comforting one-pan dinner featuring creamy marinara, tender chicken, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional) Use fresh for the best flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and slice it into strips.
Cooking
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Add in the cooked pasta and mix well.
  3. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet.
  4. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For a vegan version, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, skip the cheese and substitute with a cashew cheese sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.