Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. It delivers all the bold, cheesy, saucy goodness of classic Chicken Parmesan—without the fuss of breading and frying. Everything comes together in one skillet (yes, ONE!), making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce create the kind of cozy, satisfying meal you’ll want to put on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Skillet Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your dinner and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Win-win!
• Speedy Comfort Food: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish hits all the comforting notes of Chicken Parm with a speedy twist that fits busy schedules.
• Cheesy, Saucy Perfection: With gooey mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and your favorite marinara sauce, this dish is rich, flavorful, and downright craveable.
• Customizable: Make it your own by tweaking the seasonings, adding veggies, or switching up the pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this delicious skillet meal and why each ingredient matters:

• Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Dice them for quick, even cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
• Pasta: Choose short pasta like penne or rotini—they hold the sauce well and cook up nicely in the skillet.
• Marinara sauce: Go with a high-quality store-bought sauce or homemade if you have time. It’s the flavor backbone of this dish.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and a savory punch—don’t skip it.
• Onion: Diced onion builds flavor as the base of the skillet.
• Italian seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that gives that classic Chicken Parmesan flair.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch gives the dish a gentle heat that cuts through the richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that signature gooey top.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that’s essential for real Chicken Parm flavor.
• Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness that lifts the whole dish.

Variations

• Spicy Style: Add sliced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in baby spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Different Protein: Try it with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even plant-based chicken alternatives.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower—just reduce the liquid slightly.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, sauté diced chicken in a splash of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and just cooked through, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until soft, then stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce

Pour in uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender—about 12-15 minutes. Add more liquid if needed as it cooks.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, cover again, and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley, then serve hot and cheesy straight from the skillet.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown the chicken in batches if needed. This gives it a better sear and prevents steaming.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, spice, or herbs during cooking to match your taste preference.
• Watch the Liquid: Add more broth or water if the pasta looks too dry before it’s fully cooked. Pasta soaks up a lot!

How to Serve

This skillet pasta is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out:

Pairing Ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A no-brainer. That cheesy sauce was made for dipping.
• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Veggies: Think broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir and heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can, but reduce the amount of liquid since the pasta won’t need to absorb it. Add the cooked pasta after the sauce and aromatics have simmered a bit.

What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds up well in the skillet and clings to the sauce. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair.

How do I keep the cheese from becoming rubbery?
Add the cheese at the very end and avoid boiling it. Letting it melt gently under a lid gives the perfect gooey finish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add more vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet takes everything you love about a classic Italian comfort dish and simplifies it into a fast, one-pan dinner that’s endlessly satisfying. It’s rich, hearty, and completely customizable, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal that hits the spot. Grab your skillet and dive in—you’re going to love this one!

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