Description
Savory one-pot cheesy chicken pasta delight promises comfort and convenience for busy home cooks. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta blend seamlessly for a satisfying meal you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 16 oz (454 g) dried short-cut pasta, e.g., rigatoni
- 24 oz (680 g) jar of marinara sauce, e.g., Newman’s Own
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then expertly sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
- Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, infusing the cooking surface with rich, savory notes.
- Liquid Integration: Pour marinara sauce into the pot, using the empty jar to add water, creating a robust cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, establishing a flavor-packed cooking environment.
- Pasta and Chicken Fusion: Reintroduce the seared chicken to the pot, add uncooked pasta, and stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are perfectly distributed and coated with the sauce.
- Cooking Process: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and guarantee uniform cooking, transforming the ingredients into a cohesive dish.
- Cheese Incorporation: Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella across the top of the dish, allowing it to melt into a golden, bubbling surface that promises irresistible flavor.
- Garnishing Finale: Optional – Elevate the dish’s presentation and taste by scattering additional Italian herbs and fresh chopped parsley or basil, adding a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
Notes
- Chicken Prep Tip: Season chicken thoroughly before cooking to ensure deep, layered flavor infusion throughout the entire dish.
- Searing Technique: Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior for maximum taste and texture, which locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelization.
- Pasta Cooking Hack: Stir pasta frequently during one-pot cooking to prevent sticking and guarantee even, perfect al dente texture without excess liquid.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to achieve smooth, creamy consistency without causing cheese to become grainy or separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 73 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg