Description
Indulge in the savory fusion of chicken, cheese, and pasta with the “One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight.” This recipe is an ultimate comfort meal that packs a flavorful punch with its blend of rich marinara sauce, two types of cheeses, and herbs, all brought together in a convenient one-pot wonder. Perfect for a bustling weeknight, this dish promises a delectable supper with minimal cleanup, making it a favorite among busy home cooks.
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta, e.g., rigatoni
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce, e.g., Newman’s Own
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Add a drizzle of olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, then cook for about 5 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the marinara sauce and fill the empty jar with water to add to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a strong simmer.
4. Cook Pasta with Chicken
Add the chicken and dried pasta to the pot, mixing well. Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Add Cheeses
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella until melted and incorporated.
6. Melt Remaining Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
7. Garnish and Serve
Optionally, add more Italian seasoning and garnish with parsley or basil before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or stove top. Add a splash of water if pasta seems dry.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
The “One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight” is not just a meal but a celebration of flavors and convenience melded into one. With its robust taste, cheesy texture, and the ease of preparation, it stands out as a perfect dish for those desiring a delicious, comforting meal without the lengthy clean-up. Whether for a family dinner or a quiet night in, this recipe ensures a satisfying and flavorsome experience.
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One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Indulge in the savory fusion of chicken, cheese, and pasta with the “One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight.” This recipe is an ultimate comfort meal that packs a flavorful punch with its blend of rich marinara sauce, two types of cheeses, and herbs, all brought together in a convenient one-pot wonder. Perfect for a bustling weeknight, this dish promises a delectable supper with minimal cleanup, making it a favorite among busy home cooks.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta, e.g., rigatoni
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce, e.g., Newman’s Own
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Add a drizzle of olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, then cook for about 5 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and fill the empty jar with water to add to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a strong simmer.
- Cook Pasta with Chicken: Add the chicken and dried pasta to the pot, mixing well. Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella until melted and incorporated.
- Melt Remaining Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, add more Italian seasoning and garnish with parsley or basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes