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Creamy Parmesan chicken pasta with melted cheese and fresh parsley in a red Dutch oven
Callie Brooks

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy, cheesy Parmesan chicken pasta is a one-pot comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights. With golden seared chicken, marinara, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, it's simple to make yet tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 yellow onion, minced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • cutting board and knife
  • grater

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté minced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and dried oregano. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the pot. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine everything.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover to melt, or place under the broiler until golden and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 38gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 910mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 340mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

Use thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra tenderness. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to keep it saucy. Broil the top for a golden cheese crust. Substitute the cheeses or pasta to your liking, and don’t forget the fresh basil for garnish!

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