Description
A comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and chicken broth and mix well.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir so it is evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Cover the pot and allow the cheese to melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir gently to combine the melted cheese into the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience and extra flavor.
- If the pasta becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added.
- This dish is best served immediately while the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
