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To make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste For the best taste, I recommend using high-quality ingredients: - Chicken: Look for organic, free-range chicken for better flavor. - Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich taste. - Pasta: Barilla or De Cecco brands work well for penne. - Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better than pre-shredded versions. - Broth: Swanson or Pacific Foods make great low-sodium chicken broth. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a different protein. - Pasta: Any short pasta, like rigatoni or farfalle, fits well. - Cheese: Try provolone or gouda if you want a twist. - Broth: Vegetable broth is a good option for a lighter dish. - Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can replace crushed ones if that’s what you have. These easy swaps help you enjoy this dish even if you run low on some items. To make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, start with a large pot. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it's golden and cooked through. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute. This will give your dish a nice aroma. Now, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in 8 ounces of penne pasta and 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. When the pasta is al dente, remove the pot from heat. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until they melt and blend in nicely. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken. To ensure your chicken turns out great, cut it into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Always season the chicken well. Salt and pepper are key to enhancing its natural flavor. Don't rush the browning process; let it take its time. This adds a nice texture and depth of flavor. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach 165°F. For perfect pasta, use penne pasta as it holds sauce well. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from clumping together. Make sure to follow the cooking time on the package, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early. You want it to be firm, or al dente. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy. If needed, save a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce later. This will help keep your dish creamy and delicious. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil and parsley. You can also try using fresh garlic instead of minced. A splash of lemon juice will brighten the dish too. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, use homemade chicken broth. Mixing in a bit of white wine before adding the broth can add depth. One big mistake is overcooking the chicken. It should be juicy, not dry. Stirring the pasta too much can break it. Let it sit for a moment before stirring. Also, don’t skip the cheese. It makes the dish creamy and rich. Lastly, avoid cooking the pasta too long. It should be al dente for the best texture. To make your dish pop, serve it in a shallow bowl. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the look. For a fun twist, use colorful pasta. This adds visual interest to the meal. Serve with a side salad for a complete dinner. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for vegetables. Use diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them in olive oil until tender. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This keeps the meal hearty and satisfying without meat. Penne works great, but you can try other pasta shapes. Fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni are tasty alternatives. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Thin pasta may cook faster, while thicker pasta may need more time. Make sure to stir it occasionally for even cooking. If you want to use different proteins, try shrimp or turkey. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Turkey is a lean option that pairs well with the sauce. You can also use cooked sausage for a richer taste. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. To keep your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta fresh, cool it down first. Use an airtight container to store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. Always label the container with the date to keep track. If you have a lot left, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easy meals later. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If using the microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking and heat over low until warm. Make sure it is hot all the way through before serving. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different cheeses. If you want a sharper flavor, try using aged cheddar or provolone. You can also mix cheeses for a unique taste. Just remember that mozzarella gives that classic stretch. Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. Feel free to experiment based on your taste. To make this dish gluten-free, switch the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook well. Also, check the chicken broth label to ensure it is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavors while avoiding gluten. Using crushed tomatoes adds depth to the sauce. They break down and blend well with the pasta. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes instead. Just chop them smaller. This keeps the sauce thick and flavorful, so you won’t lose that great taste! This blog post covered essential ingredients and tips for great cooking. We explored ingredient lists, cooking steps, and tricks to boost flavor. You learned key variations, storage methods, and common questions answered. Cooking is fun and rewarding. With practice, you can create meals that impress. Use these tips to enjoy your time in the kitchen and make tasty dishes every time. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Savor the delightful flavors of One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with this easy recipe! This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich tomatoes for a quick dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is simple to prepare and cleanup is a breeze. Don’t miss out on creating this delicious family favorite. Click to discover the full recipe and bring comfort food to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

8 ounces penne pasta

1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

        Stir in the penne pasta and crushed tomatoes. Cover the pot and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

          Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

            Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4