Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet in Just 20 Minutes Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
