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Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Your Ultimate Comfort Meal

Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a family-friendly one-pot meal bursting with Italian flavors that brings comfort to any dinner table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Feel free to swap for thighs for added juiciness.
For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Short Pasta Use shapes like penne or fusilli that hold sauce well.
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Rao's is my go-to for rich taste.
  • 1 cup Water Essential to ensure pasta cooks perfectly.
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Always choose fresh for better melting quality.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Essential for that gooey topping.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Diced Onion Yellow or white onions work perfectly here.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; enhances aroma of the dish.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Gives this dish its classic Italian flair.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder Gives an additional garlic punch.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot or skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The chicken should not be fully cooked; remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Using the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and one cup of water, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Return the seared chicken to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in sauce. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheeses are melted.
  6. Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously on top. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top with torn basil leaves and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Expert tips include ensuring enough liquid for pasta, not fully cooking the chicken when searing, and using freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.

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