Quick & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this mouthwatering chicken parmesan pasta skillet that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of crispy chicken and melted cheese nestled among perfectly cooked pasta.

The golden-brown chicken cutlets create a stunning centerpiece for this one-pan wonder.

Cheese lovers will rejoice at the generous layer of gooey mozzarella and tangy parmesan blanketing the dish.

Fresh herbs and a rich marinara sauce elevate this classic recipe from simple to spectacular.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this irresistible skillet sensation.

Instructions for Pasta Skillet Perfection

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta in salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Just before draining, scoop out a half cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Chunks

Grab your skillet and heat some olive oil.

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a dash of Italian herbs.

Toss the chicken into the hot pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

The edges should have a beautiful caramelized color that screams flavor.

Step 3: Create Saucy Magic

Drop marinara sauce into the skillet with the chicken.

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Cooked pasta
• Reserved pasta water

Stir everything together and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Melt and Serve

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top of the skillet.

Cover with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted blanket.

The residual heat will work its magic, creating a bubbling, irresistible dish that’s ready to be devoured straight from the pan.

Tips for Cheesy, Golden Chicken Skillet

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness, ensuring ideal texture throughout the dish.
• Save pasta cooking water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind together smoothly.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to achieve maximum browning and develop rich, caramelized flavor notes.
• Let mozzarella melt naturally under a covered skillet to create a creamy, stretchy topping without overcooking.
• Use a large skillet to minimize cleanup and allow flavors to meld seamlessly during the cooking process.

Skillet Variations for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for those avoiding dairy products.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking to create a zesty, heat-packed rendition of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Parmesan Skillet

• Cheesy Game Night Delight: Serve this skillet as a fun, casual dinner for family gatherings or movie nights with friends, letting everyone dig into the communal dish.
• Elegant Side Pairing: Complement the pasta with a crisp caesar salad and garlic bread to elevate the meal's sophistication and add extra texture.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color to the cheesy chicken pasta.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Pack cold or gently reheated portions in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that tastes just as amazing as dinner.

How to Store Skillet Pasta for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta moist and fresh.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Chop chicken and measure ingredients in advance, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.

FAQs

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they catch the sauce and chicken pieces perfectly.

• Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just add it when combining ingredients and reduce simmering time to 2-3 minutes.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during seasoning or include a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking chicken. You can also drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. Double-check parmesan and mozzarella cheese ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet: Comforting Features

• Quick and Easy Dinner: Whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cooking steps.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Simplify your cooking process by preparing the entire dish in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Combine classic chicken parmesan flavors with pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Customizable Cuisine: Easily swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make the recipe match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Chicken Parmesan Skillet Ingredient List

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that provides the base for this hearty skillet dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substantial flavor and texture to the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings rich, tangy flavor to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Classic Italian cheeses that add creamy, melty goodness and depth of flavor to the pasta skillet.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Additional Seasonings: Essential flavor enhancers that season the chicken and complement the overall taste of the dish.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken parmesan pasta skillet, blending classic Italian flavors with modern culinary flair. Rich marinara, crispy chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender yet firm, carefully extracting and preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Generously season chicken pieces with herbs and spices, then sauté in hot olive oil until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, blending in parmesan cheese, cooked pasta, and reserved cooking liquid. Allow mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors for 4-5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface, covering the skillet and letting the residual heat melt the cheese into a luxurious, creamy topping for 5 minutes.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection Reserve some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every noodle beautifully.
• Chicken Browning Technique Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Dietary Swap Options Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version or swap chicken with plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist.
• Cheese Melting Hack Let mozzarella sit covered off heat to create a perfectly melted, stretchy cheese topping without overcooking the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 90mg