Description
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, browned chicken breast with rigatoni pasta simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, comforting Italian-inspired dish prepared in a single skillet, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (not creamy)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Water (use empty marinara jar to measure or about 2 cups if using stockpot)
Cheese and Garnish
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and Italian dressing, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and just cooked through, approximately 5 minutes depending on thickness.
- Add Pasta and Marinara: Pour in the dry rigatoni pasta and entire jar of marinara sauce. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet (or add about 2 cups water if using a stockpot). Lightly stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the top evenly with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Do not stir the cheese in at this point.
- Melt the Cheese: Continue cooking covered for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. For an extra melty and slightly golden topping, place the skillet under a broiler for about 4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pan meal!
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve even cooking and allows you to finish under the broiler for melted cheese.
- If you prefer your pasta more al dente, reduce the simmering time slightly and keep testing the pasta.
- The Italian dressing adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, but avoid creamy dressings to keep the sauce balanced.
- If using a stockpot instead of a skillet, increase the water to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
- Broiling the skillet at the end is optional but gives the cheese a nice bubbly finish.
