Description
Indulgent chicken parmesan pasta marries classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta perfection. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 454 grams) cubed
Pasta and Sauce:
- 400 grams uncooked penne pasta (14 oz or 4 slightly heaped cups)
- 650 ml tomato marinara sauce (2 1/2 cups)
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Ignite a spacious skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, introducing chicken cubes seasoned with aromatic spices – garlic powder, Italian herbs, seasoning salt, red pepper flakes, and traditional salt.
- Sauté the chicken until golden brown and crisp exterior develops, then incorporate minced garlic and allow fragrance to permeate for approximately 60 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth, penne pasta, and robust marinara sauce into the skillet, elevating heat to create a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the pasta to cook and absorb liquid for 15-20 minutes, ensuring tender pasta and harmonious flavor melding.
- Gently fold mozzarella cheese into the mixture, stirring until fully melted and creating a creamy, luxurious texture throughout the dish.
- In a separate preparation, blend Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese to create a crisp, savory topping.
- Generously scatter the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture across the pasta’s surface, providing a delightful crunchy layer.
- Conclude by delicately drizzling remaining oil and transferring the skillet to the broiler, allowing the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece within minutes.
Notes
- Experiment with gluten-free penne or whole wheat pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
- Toast the Panko breadcrumbs beforehand for extra crunch and deeper flavor profile before sprinkling over the dish.
- Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version without losing the delicious texture and taste.
- Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for a heart-healthy alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg