Introduction
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta, affectionately known as Cheater Chicken Parm, is a delightful twist on the classic chicken parmesan dish. This recipe simplifies the cooking process while delivering mouthwatering flavors that can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. With tender chicken, a rich marinara sauce, and a crispy golden topping, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also offers a comforting meal that the entire family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1/2 white onion
2 cloves garlic
1 lb. chicken tenders (skinless, boneless)
3/4 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. olive oil
16 oz. short pasta like cavatappi
2 Tbsp. butter
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
2 cups high-quality marinara sauce (16 oz.)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
olive oil, flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes (to taste)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
To make this delicious Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta, start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with sea salt, using kitchen shears for quick cutting. While bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta, cook your cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Next, in a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding the minced garlic and seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through. If the mixture starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
In a separate small nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the panko bread crumbs, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. Once they achieve a perfect crunch, remove from heat and transfer them immediately to a bowl to halt the cooking process.
Upon ensuring that the chicken is cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce and bring it to a boil. After removing it from the heat, add the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the chicken and sauce mixture.
To serve, plate a helping of the cooked pasta and generously top it with the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the crispy toasted bread crumbs over the top along with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and finish with flaky sea salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Enjoy your delightful Chicken Parmesan Pasta, beautifully plated and ready to savor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
– Dice 1/2 of a white onion.
– Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
– Cut 1 lb. of chicken tenders into 1-inch pieces and season with 3/4 tsp. sea salt. (Using kitchen shears makes this quick!)
– Start boiling water for the pasta.
Cook Pasta
– Cook 16 oz. of short pasta (like cavatappi) to al dente in a large pot of salted water, according to package instructions.
– Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook Chicken
– While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and seasoned chicken, cooking for about 5-8 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. (If things begin to brown, turn down the heat to medium.)
Toast Breadcrumbs
– In a small nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
– Add 3/4 cup of panko bread crumbs to the melted butter.
– Stir frequently, cooking until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Once golden, remove them from heat and transfer to a bowl immediately to stop the cooking process.
Combine Chicken and Marinara
– Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in 2 cups of high-quality marinara sauce.
– Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove it from heat.
– Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the chicken and marinara mixture.
Plate the Dish
– Place a serving of the cooked pasta onto a plate.
– Top with the chicken and marinara mixture.
– Sprinkle toasted bread crumbs over the top.
– Add 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
– Drizzle a bit of olive oil, and season with flaky sea salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
– Feel free to substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
– For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Storage Instructions
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
– Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through; you can add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist.
Cook techniques
Chop and Dice Ingredients
Dice the onion and mince the garlic to enhance flavor absorption during cooking.
Cutting Chicken
Cut chicken tenders into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Using kitchen shears can streamline this process.
Cooking Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions for optimal texture.
Sautéing
Cook onions in olive oil over medium-high heat, then add garlic and chicken, ensuring thorough cooking and flavor development by adjusting the heat as needed.
Toasting Breadcrumbs
Melt butter and toast panko bread crumbs in a skillet until golden brown, then transfer them to a bowl to prevent further cooking.
Combining Ingredients
Once chicken is cooked, stir in marinara sauce and bring to a boil before adding mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the mixture.
Plating the Dish
Serve pasta topped with the chicken mixture, toasted breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta of your choice, such as penne or fusilli.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta and panko bread crumbs to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
What can I serve with chicken parmesan pasta?
A side salad or garlic bread pairs well with chicken parmesan pasta for a complete meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and convenient dish that brings together the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the comforting texture of pasta. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows for creative variations. With its blend of savory chicken, rich marinara, and melted cheeses, it’s sure to satisfy both adults and kids alike. Enjoy this scrumptious meal on busy weeknights, and savor the deliciousness that comes with every bite!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Incorporate your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream into the marinara sauce to create a rich and creamy version of this dish.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Swap out the chicken for shrimp and toss it with garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil for a fresh and zesty seafood twist.
Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata
Spice things up by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kicked-up version of the chicken parmesan pasta.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Mix in basil pesto with the marinara for an herby and aromatic flavor profile that enhances the dish’s taste.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Try a one-pot version by adding the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, reducing cleanup time and enhancing flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
For a bold flavor, toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before mixing with pasta and sauce, and top with blue cheese crumbles.