One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 12 oz (340g) uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Sauce and Pasta:
   • Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, and stir to combine.
   • Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
   • If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.
5. Finish the Dish:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
   • Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well mixed.
6. Optional Topping:
   • If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta.
   • You can place the pot under the broiler for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot chicken parmesan pasta!