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creamy chicken parmesan pasta

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 5

Equipment

  • dutch oven or heavy pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta (any shortcut pasta will work)
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (leftover or jarred)
  • 4-6 leaves fresh basil, roughly torn
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, divided
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and season it generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of the Italian seasoning. 
  • In the bottom of a large dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil for a few minutes until hot.
  • Working in batches, brown the chicken for a few minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken will not be completely cooked at this stage. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • To the same pot with the chicken drippings in the bottom, add the marinara sauce and water and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Season the sauce and water mixture with salt, pepper, the remainder of the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and roughly torn basil leaves.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling liquid along with the chicken. Cover the pot and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is nearly done.
  • Add the shredded mozzarella to the top of the pot and cover for 1-2 more minutes or until all the cheese is melted and the pasta is al dente.
  • Serve each dish with some thinly sliced basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and enjoy!