Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet in Just 20 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It combines tender chicken, hearty rigatoni, and melty cheese in a flavorful marinara sauce, all cooked in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting Italian dish without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 ounces dry rigatoni pasta
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the chicken and Italian dressing in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season as it warms.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the dry rigatoni pasta and the entire jar of marinara sauce to the skillet. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and pour that into the skillet as well. Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese without stirring. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or use precooked chicken for an even faster meal.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
• Use your favorite homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized taste.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist and cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other pasta shapes like penne or ziti will work well since they hold sauce similarly to rigatoni.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can use any large, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan to prepare this dish as long as it can hold all the ingredients comfortably.

Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet in Just 20 Minutes Recipe

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4.7 from 123 reviews

This Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts, rigatoni pasta, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and satisfies your craving for comfort food with an Italian twist.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 ounces Dry rigatoni pasta
• 24 ounces Marinara sauce
• Water (equal to the empty marinara jar volume)

Cheeses and Garnish

• 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with Italian dressing. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to infuse flavor as it warms.
2. Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken until it is browned on both sides and fully cooked through, which takes about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.
3. Add pasta and sauce: Pour in the dry rigatoni pasta and entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet. Use the empty marinara jar to measure and add an equal amount of water into the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer the mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes, or until the pasta becomes tender, absorbing the sauce.
5. Add cheese toppings: Remove the cover and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Do not stir. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top as a garnish before serving to add a fresh, herbal flavor and vibrant color.

Notes

• Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts allows for quicker cooking and a tender texture.
• The Italian dressing adds a zesty flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Be sure to add water equivalent to the marinara jar to ensure pasta cooks properly without drying out the sauce.
• If you prefer, substitute rigatoni with penne or another tubular pasta that holds sauce well.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes during the simmering step.
• Fresh basil is optional but highly recommended for added freshness and aroma.

Keywords: chicken parmesan pasta, skillet pasta recipes, quick chicken dinner, one-pan pasta skillet, Italian skillet dinner, easy weeknight pasta