Oh, let me tell you about my latest culinary adventure that will have your taste buds dancing! Imagine this: Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta, where tender chicken meets gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich marinara sauce. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings the family together, and I can hardly wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: This dish comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
- Great Flavor: The combination of Italian dressing, marinara, and melted cheese creates a rich and savory flavor you won’t forget.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With minimal cooking time, you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes!
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and pasta make it a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
Ingredients
To create this satisfying dish, you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized cubes for easy cooking.
- Italian dressing (the non-creamy kind) for an extra kick of flavor.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the chicken just right.
- Dry rigatoni pasta – its ridges catch all that delicious sauce!
- A generous serving of marinara sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, to bring everything together.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, savory flavor.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese that melts to perfection.
- Chopped fresh basil for a fragrant finish (optional, but I highly recommend it!).
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Start by heating your cast iron skillet (or a large stockpot if you don’t have one) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes along with the Italian dressing. Season everything with kosher salt and pepper. Cook those pieces for about five minutes and watch them turn a lovely golden brown!
Next, it’s time to add in the star of the show: the rigatoni pasta. Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce and then fill that empty marinara jar with water and add that to the skillet as well (don’t waste any flavor!). Gently stir to combine, taking care not to break the pasta.
Bring this beauty to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover it up and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the pasta is just right—al dente is what I recommend! Here’s a fun tip: the pasta in the center will get a tad softer than those on the edges, giving it a delightful texture contrast.
Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, sprinkle that freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese right on top. There’s no need to stir—just let it melt for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. If you’re craving that extra gooey cheese effect (who isn’t?), you can even throw it under the broiler for a few minutes.
Don’t forget to add the chopped basil on top, if you’ve got it—it adds a beautiful touch and brightens the flavors!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ensure that your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If you prefer your pasta softer, feel free to add a little more water and let it simmer longer.
- Experiment with different types of pasta! While rigatoni is excellent for this dish, you can also use penne or fusilli.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
How to Serve
Serve your creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot right out of the skillet, and don’t be shy with the garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side to complete the meal. And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of white wine would complement this dish beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is perfect for leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To warm it up, you can simply pop it in the microwave or heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to bring back that creamy texture.
I hope you enjoy making this creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, making dinner time a beautiful occasion filled with smiles and satisfaction. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch everyone in your family fall head over heels for this delicious meal!
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 breasts boneless, skinless chicken cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing not the creamy kind
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Pasta
- 16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta 1 box
Sauce
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
Cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste Chopped fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the chicken and Italian dressing in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add pasta and marinara, fill the marinara jar with water and add it to the skillet. Stir lightly.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Top with Parmesan and mozzarella, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with basil (optional) and serve. Enjoy!